News
12.12.2025|Ministry of Defence
Starting from 2027 the duration of conscript service will be 12 months
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur sent a bill for approval, pursuant to which draftees will be called up for conscript service twice a year for a period of 12 months starting from 2027. The aim of this change is to ensure more permanent combat readiness for the Estonian Defence Forces with the...
11.12.2025|Ministry of Defence
Pevkur in Berlin: Strong interest from both Estonia and Germany in defence industry cooperation
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur participated in a defence industry seminar and networking event in Berlin to support Estonian defence companies in building partnerships in Germany.
“We have set a goal for Estonia’s defence industry to reach an annual export volume of 1.4 billion euros by 2030....
03.12.2025|Ministry of Defence
Photo Gallery: Ministry of Defence awarded medals to French Allied troops serving in Tapa
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Kaimo Kuusk, presented Medal for Participation in International Military Operations to French Allied troops serving in Tapa, at the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Defence Forces.
“Your service in Estonia has been outstanding, marked by high...
02.12.2025|Ministry of Defence
Pevkur at the meeting of European Union ministers of defence: Ukraine needs our support even more than before
On 1 December, European Union ministers of defence met in Brussels to discuss the most critical needs of Ukraine for ending the war and urgent capability requirements for defending the eastern flank of Europe.
‘At a time when Ukraine is facing the challenge of processing the peace conditions and...
01.12.2025|Ministry of Defence
The Reserve Forces Fund handed over an ISR drone to Estonian Defence League
Estonian citizens and companies have contributed over €258,000 to national defence through donations collected by the Reserve Forces Fund. These funds have been used to purchase reconnaissance and attack drones, as well as additional equipment necessary for operating the drones, to train reserve...
26.11.2025|Ministry of Defence
UK Armed Forces Minister Carns to Defence Minister Pevkur: There are plans to deploy our new Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Estonia within the next few years to bolster our commitment to Estonia and to enhance capabilities of the UK’s FLF
Today, Estonia’s Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met with the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces Minister Alistair Carns at the Ministry of Defence to discuss strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries, as well as collaboration between their defence industries.
"The UK Armed Forces...
20.11.2025|Ministry of Defence
Minister of Defence awards mission medals to Italian Air Force contingent
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur presented mission medals to members of the Italian Air Force contingent serving in the Baltic Air Policing mission at Ämari Air Base.
“Your deployment here has taken place during one of the most demanding security environments Europe has faced in decades. The...
15.11.2025|Ministry of Defence
Estonia allocates 3.5 million euros for the purchase of Starlink communication systems for Ukraine under the IT coalition
Estonia has decided to allocate 3.5 million euros for the purchase of Starlink communication systems for Ukraine within the IT coalition led by Estonia and Luxembourg, with the aim of improving Ukraine’s IT capabilities and supporting its efforts to win the war.
‘Ukraine has confirmed to us that...
14.11.2025|Ministry of Defence
Pevkur at the meeting of Nordic-Baltic ministers of defence: Russia’s Achilles heel is its oil industry and shadow fleet
The meeting of Nordic-Baltic ministers of defence held in Helsinki on Wednesday and Thursday focused on the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet and continued support for Ukraine.
‘Russia’s oil industry and exports, which are sustained by its shadow fleet, are among the most important pillars of...
11.11.2025|Ministry of Defence
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur discussed defence cooperation opportunities with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel
Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence, and Gideon Sa'ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, who visited Estonia, discussed opportunities for expanding defence cooperation between the two countries at a meeting today.
“Israel, like Estonia, is a country with a small population and territory. Over...