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 in Ukraine has shown how important control over the air domain and air superiority are. In this context, it was a pleasure to discuss possible areas of cooperation with Frank Kendall, the Secretary of the Air Force of our largest NATO ally," said Permanent Secretary Kusti Salm. "In recent years, U.S. security assistance has enabled us to strengthen our independent defense capabilities faster than planned, achieve our set capability goals, and build the necessary infrastructure. We are grateful for the U.S. contribution to the defence of Estonia and other Baltic States," added Salm during the meeting.
At Ämari Air Base, Secretary Kendall received an overview of the latest developments. “I am impressed with the progress that is being made at Amari Air Base to modernize the airfield for the next generation fighter, and to ensure that the Baltic Air Policing mission can remain there into the future. The Baltic Air Policing mission is an essential activity to maintain peace and security not only for Estonia, but throughout NATO, and we will continue to work together to deter our adversaries,” said Secretary Kendall following his visit.
"The renovation of the Ämari runway is on schedule, and our Host Nation Support conditions are significantly improving. In December, NATO air policing will return to Ämari with Dutch F-35 fighters," added Salm.
U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall leads the U.S. Department of the Air Force, which includes both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Secretary Kendall is responsible for the training and equipping of Air and Space Forces, and for the well-being of 697,000 active duty members, Guard, Reserve, and civilian employees, and their families. The Air Force Secretary directs strategy, policy, procurement, technology, personnel, risk management, and implements decisions made by the President and Congress.
In line with the promise made by President Joe Biden at the Madrid Summit, the U.S. has maintained a persistent heel-to-toe presence in Estonia since 2022, currently with a HIMARS unit stationed in Tapa and an infantry battalion based in Võru. These rotations support the training of the Estonian Defense Forces and help fill capability gaps.
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Photos: Kantsler Salm ja USA õhuväeminister Frank Kendall (23.08.2… | Flickr