News

06.09.2024|Ministry of Defence

Estonian Minister of Defence Pevkur in Ramstein: Let Ukraine Strike Russian air bases

At the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, held yesterday and today at the Ramstein Air Base, defence ministers were briefed on Ukraine’s critical needs, the situation on the battlefield, and the current state of military aid. In addition, Estonian Minister of Defence Pevkur met bilaterally with...
30.08.2024|Ministry of Defence

Estonian Defence Minister at EU meeting: Ukraine cannot fight with one hand tied behind its back

At the informal meeting of the European Union Defence Ministers held today in Brussels, member states discussed military support for Ukraine and issues concerning the EU's defence readiness. "While the Ukrainian success in Kursk is inspiring, we must remind ourselves that they are fighting with...
24.08.2024|Ministry of Defence

U.S. Air Force Secretary Kendall: we will continue to work together to deter our adversaries

Visiting Estonia this week, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall met with Permanent Secretary Kusti Salm to discuss bilateral and regional defense cooperation, as well as the broader security situation. In addition, Secretary Kendall visited the Ämari Air Base. "Russia's war of aggression...
14.08.2024|Ministry of Defence

Estonian Ministry of Defence and Helsing OÜ sign joint statement on AI-driven defence cooperation

Today, the Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Gundbert Scherf, Co-founder and Co-CEO of European Defence-AI company Helsing, signed a joint statement to affirm a shared commitment to advancing Estonia's defence capabilities through the development and application of artificial...
Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus (on the left) and Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur (on the right)
09.08.2024|Ministry of Defence

Defence Minister Pevkur awards Cross of Merit II Class to Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur presented Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus, who was on his farewell visit to Estonia, with the Order of Merit II Class of the Ministry of Defence in recognition of his contribution to defence cooperation between Lithuania and Estonia. “...
Kaimo Kuusk. Photo: Aleksandr Guzhov (Tallinna Strateegiakeskus)
26.07.2024|Ministry of Defence

Pevkur nominates Kaimo Kuusk as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur nominates diplomat Kaimo Kuusk, who has been the Estonian Ambassador to Lithuania from 2023, as the candidate for the post of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. 48-year old Kaimo Kuusk was the Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine from 2019-2023. From 1998-...
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur (right) and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin
24.07.2024|Ministry of Defence

Pevkur in Washington: Austin reaffirms long-term commitment to Estonian security

Yesterday, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur discussed bilateral defence cooperation and capability development perspectives with US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin in Washington. “At the NATO summit here two weeks ago, the unity and strength of the allies was evident, and this is also reflected...
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur (vasakul) andmas kaitseministeeriumi välisoperatioonidel teeninu medalit Saksa õhuväelasele
05.07.2024|Ministry of Defence

Mission medals awarded to German Air Force personnel in Estonia

On Wednesday, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur awarded mission medals to the German Air Force personnel who participated in the mission of the Deployable Control and Reporting Centre (DCRC, callsign ’REDHAWK’) at the Estonian Ämari Air Base. "The NATO air policing mission is a crucial...
Shooting practice
04.07.2024|Ministry of Defence

Survey reveals that more than 60% of the Estonian population would be prepared to defend the country

The annual public opinion survey commissioned by the Ministry of Defence shows that the level of support among the Estonian population for armed resistance remains at over 80%, with more than 60% of people prepared to defend the country. “Willingness and motivation are vital to ensuring national...
NATO Diana Estonia team
04.07.2024|Ministry of Defence

NATO DIANA innovation accelerator announces new critical challenges requiring technological solutions

NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator or DIANA has unveiled the challenges it will be addressing in its second year of operations and has opened a new round of applications. DIANA aims to find and accelerate the development of dual-use deep technologies across the alliance to respond to critical...

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