Used weapons purchased … Variant Mini Uzi. Estonian land forces are currently equipped with two rifles. Soldiers from France joined the King’s Royal Hussars and Estonian troops as part of UK-led eFP battlegroup. Entries are listed by initial year of service descending. [34] Increasing the number of soldiers would require more barracks, weapons and other infrastructure. The implementation of the principles of civilian control is guaranteed by defence-related rights, obligations and responsibilities legislatively laid upon the parliament, the president of the republic and the government of the republic. Saab has signed a contract with the Estonian Armed Forces to deliver BT46 training systems to the Estonian Army. The United States is among the countries with which Estonia has very close cooperation in the defence and security fields. In addition to the EDF, the Ministry of Justice and the PPA have also been included in … A military attack on Estonia (or any other NATO member) could not be compared to a Russian attack on Georgia. The Swedish defense forces admitted in 2004 that MS Estonia was used to transport electronics for the military but claimed it had nothing to do with weapons systems. The Merevägi is responsible for all naval operations and protecting of the territorial waters of Estonia. The Military Balance 2017, page 106–108, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian), Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces, Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, List of equipment of the Estonian Defence Forces, "Täismahus: 2021. aasta riigieelarve eelnõu ja seletuskiri", "Mereväele tahetakse 100 miljoni eest kiirkaatreid", The Long-Term Defence Development Plan: Naval modernization, "Military of Estonia: History of the Air Force", "President Ilves: Ämari Air Base shows solidarity of NATO allies", "Estonia is interested in buying Saab fighter jets", "Tehtud! ... Used weapons purchased from Norway in 2013 to replace Carl Gustav m/45 submachine guns. Signal Battalion surrendered and was disarmed. Food and money were scarce, the towns were in danger of starvation. Estonia instituted compulsory military service in late 1991. Russian Weapons Destroyed By Estonian Customs. The Defence League possesses arms and engages in military exercises. In August 1939, just prior to the start of World War II, Stalin and Hitler secretly decided the fate of the Republic of Estonia, in which the two leaders agreed to divide Eastern Europe into "spheres of special interest" as outlined by the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact in its Secret Additional Protocol. Before World War II, the Republic of Estonia and USSR had signed and ratified the following treaties: [30], Territorial Defence is a reserve force, which is based on the Estonian Defence League[31] - a voluntary military national defence organisation, which acts in the area of responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. [20] The airfield and garrison at Ämari is focused on preparing and assisting cooperation with NATO and the air forces of partner nations, and allows it to supply the standardized airfield and aircraft services necessary for host nation support. Unit’s insignia The Estonian military is a defence force consisting of Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, and a paramilitary organization Defence League. Estonia is one of 35 countries using the SPIKE missile, and one of 19 in the EU and NATO. Used for training. It is currently also the largest military branch with the average size during the peacetime with around 6,000 soldiers, conscripts and officers. Estonian War Museum - General Laidoner Museum Mõisa tee 1, 74001 Viimsi, Harju County Phone: +372 621 7410, +372 621 7418; email: info(at)esm.ee Open We-Su 11-18, the exhibition of heavy artillery (300 m from the museum, Vehema tee 1a, Viimsi) from May until October Fr-Su 11-18 The Estonian Cabinet of Defense approved the National Defence development plan for the period 2013-2022 in a move that will increase the military capability and firepower of the Estonian Defence Forces. Undisclosed number or RQ-20B Puma AE II systems to be delivered by 2021. Coat of arms of the Estonian Defence Forces, IISS. The Estonian military is a defence force consisting of Maavägi (Army), Merevägi (Navy), Õhuvägi (Air Force) and a paramilitary organisation Kaitseliit (Defence League). Col. (later Gen.) Johan Laidoner opened a counteroffensive in January 1919, supported by weapons and war matériel from the Allies, a British naval squadron, and a Finnish voluntary force of 2,700 men. ... the reservists conduct normal lives and the state takes care of their training and the procurement of equipment and weapons. The reserve units are formed on the territorial principle, i.e. The Defence League and its affiliated organizations have positive relations with partner organizations in the Nordic countries, the United States and the United Kingdom. Like the other Baltic States Estonia became independent in 1918 and this was recognised in 1920. Military resistance ended with negotiations. The main functions of the naval force are the preparation and organisation of the defence of the territorial waters and coastal line, ensuring the maritime security, communications and sea traffic in the territorial waters and co-operation with NATO and the navies of other friendly countries around. Galil AR rifles or Galil SAR carbines are carried by the majority of Estonian troops, no matter what role they serve in. This is not a military , its kaitseliit, everybody who wants can join it.. but about the weapons, they use same as estonian real army, Galil and ak4. Transportable version ordered in 2013. The majority of Estonian Air Force units are stationed at one military airfield, Ämari Air Base, where renovation was completed in 2012. It was developed by Estonian defense contractor Milrem, in cooperation with the Estonian National Defence college. The primary objective of the Special Operations Force is the development of capabilities for unconventional warfare. The Estonian Air Force was restored on April 13, 1994. Fire support for infantry units is provided by towed howitzers, including the lighter 122mm D-30H63 and heavier 155mm FH-70 field howitzers. The Eesti Kaitsevägi was restored on 3 September 1991 by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia. Like other units of the same purpose in NATO, Estonian Special Operations Forces ESTSOF is armed with the most modern weapons on the Western market. The Diviisor in (English: Division) is not in active use. At higher echelon, infantry battalions are supported by a section of 120mm M-41D and 2B11 mortars, which are usually employed by motorized units. Estonia also provides peacekeepers for international missions in both Bosnia and Kosovo within the framework of the KFOR, and also contributes to EU battlegroups and NATO Response Force rotations and the EU’s anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. On the other hand, the private should gain practical skills in all weather conditions and should stay in reserve for at least 15 years. Electronics was on board on September 14 and 20, while MS Estonia allegedly did not have a shipment for the Swedish military the night it sank. [26] In 2007 the Merevägi mineships fleet was modernized and equipped with the Sandown class minehunters. The Estonian Air Force was re-established in 1991 with the objectives of controlling Estonian airspace and the air defence of strategic objects.[19]. By the end of February 1919, the Red Army had been expelled from all of the territory of Estonia. 21 continued to resist. Since 1995 numerous mine clearance operations have been carried out in Estonian waters in close co-operation with other navies of the Baltic Sea region in order to find and dispose ordnance and contribute to safe seagoing. This is not a military , its kaitseliit, everybody who wants can join it.. but about the weapons, they use same as estonian real army, Galil and ak4. The Estonian SS men who committed these war crimes later demonstrated great courage and patriotism defending Estonian territory against the Red Army… Military equipment of the Estonian Defence Forces is a list of modern military equipment currently in service with the Estonian Defence Forces. After winning the Estonian Liberation War against Soviet Russia and German Freikorps volunteers, Estonia maintained its independence for twenty-two years. I present to you a skinpack of the Estonian army from the 1930s to atleast 1944, which I made out of sheer boredom. List of equipment of the Estonian Defence Forces Personal equipment. [62], List of equipment of the Estonian Land Forces, List of equipment of the Estonian Defence League, List of historic Estonian Air Force aircraft, Estonian Special Operations Force Equipment, "Tipp-topp arsenal väikese rahakoti ja lühikese ajaga", "Norrast saadud relvad jõuavad nii ajateenijateni kui kaitseliitlasteni", "Gallery: Defense Forces introduced new R20 Rahe automatic firearms", "€75 million tender announced for new automatic firearms", "Eesti kaitsevägi saab endale uued snaiperrelvad", "Rootsi kingib Eesti kaitseväele kümneid tuhandeid relvi", "84 mm tankitõrjegranaadiheitja Carl-Gustav M2", "84 mm tankitõrjegranaadiheitja Carl-Gustav M3", "Kaitsevägi ostab Saabilt kõige moodsamad Carl-Gustavid", "90 mm lask Instalaza C90-CR-RB (M3) Anti-Tank", "90 mm lask Instalaza C90-CR-AM (M3) Anti-Tank/Anti Personnel", "90 mm lask Instalaza C90-CR-BK (M3) Anti-Bunker", "Kaitsevägi saab Hispaania granaadiheitjad", "EDF to purchase C90 disposable grenade launchers for €30 million", "Keskmaa tankitõrjeraketikompleks MILAN 2", "Eesti teeb kümne aasta kõige suurema relvaostu", "Eesti täiendas tublisti laskemoonavaru", "Eesti saab Javelini tankitõrjesüsteemid järgmisel aastal", "Eesti kaitsevägi sai Ameerika Ühendriikidelt Javelini rakette", "Eesti sõlmis 40 miljoni eurose tankitõrjerelvade hankelepingu", "The Government of the Republic of Estonia authorised on 22 February 2007 the Minister of Defence to sign a contract for the procurement of a very short-range air defence missile system", "Galerii: kaitsevägi sai kätte esimesed uue põlvkonna Mistralid", "UN register: Military holdings - Estonia 2010", "Suurtükiväelased proovisid Soomest toodud haubitsatest laskmist", "Eesti ostab Lõuna-Korealt liikursuurtükke juurde", "Gallery: Estonia, South Korea sign artillery purchase agreement", "Esimesed kaitseväe liikursuurtükid jõudsid Eestisse", "Estonia receives last CV90s from Netherlands", "Hanketeade: Toetussoomukite CV90 ümberehitus ja elukaare toetus", "Konsortsium tahab Eestis soomukeid tootma hakata", "Hollandlased tutvustasid eestlastele pioneeritehnikat", "Mis masinad need on, mis lennuki kaldale sikutada suutsid? Nuclear weapons were also kept on Estonian territory. [7] On 12 June 1940, the order for a total military blockade of Estonia was given to the Soviet Baltic Fleet. to establish an air surveillance capability, and based on that, to begin the development of a national air defence system. to develop a data exchange systems in the Air Force. The Defence Forces consist of regular military units totaling 6,500 officers and conscripts. More than 33,000 SPIKE missiles have been supplied around the world, with over 5,500 fired in both training and combat. The contract, valued at around $24 million, will 5.56mm and 7.62mm automatic weapons akin to what the company has supplied New Zealand and British SAS commandos. On his visit, the Armed Forces Minister also had the chance to witness the Estonian Defence Forces and NATO soldiers training together on Exercise Spring Storm, a major Estonian-led exercise featuring 10,000 personnel. Its task is to assist Estonian internet users in the implementation of preventive measures in order to reduce possible damage from security incidents and to help them in responding to security threats. Patrik. The seven-year framework agreement also includes a training package, maintenance and repair services and an option to purchase additional ppk and ICLU. The service branch received old Soviet radar and AAA equipment. It is currently also the largest military branch with the average size during the peacetime with around 6,000 soldiers, conscripts and officers. The organization consisted of the Naval Aviation Group, Flight School, Air Base, Air Defence Artillery Group. The national defence of Estonia is conducted on the principles of civilian control inherently bound with the democratic organisation of the state. The Estonian Air Force is a fully professional service of the Estonian Defence Forces. The armed forces was made up of 12,000 men. This pack has everything you need to make a minor Estonian … Command structure on the civilian/military strategic and operational levels (, Minesweeping operation in the Strait of Hormuz, (Operation Cleansweep, 1987 – 1988), Police contingent in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Multinational Advisory Police Element in Albania, General security surveillance mission in Kosovo, This page was last edited on 13 December 2020, at 16:27. In January 1919, the Estonian armed forces launched a counteroffensive, the May Offensive, under Commander-in-Chief Johan Laidoner. From 1993 to 1995, Estonia received two Let L-410UVP transport aircraft, three Mil Mi-2, and four Mil Mi-8 helicopters. Sections of this page. Estonian; Artillery; Estonian Artillery. The winner of the Estonian Defense Forces and the Police and Border Guard Board’s (PPA) new service weapons procurement tells for the first time how he sees the scandalous procurement dispute in Estonia and the future of the long-awaited assault rifles. Standard issue pistol. One of the leading organization in the Estonian cyber defence is the CERT (the Computer Emergency Response Team of Estonia), established in 2006, as an organisation responsible for the management of security incidents in .ee computer networks. Estonian Rifle Corps in the Red Army [edit | edit source] In June 1940, while the Estonian army was integrated into the Soviet military structure, where in June 1940 there were 16,800 men, was changed into "22nd Territorial Rifle Corps" 5,500 Estonian soldiers served in the corps during the first battle. Journalist Stephen Davis claims based on sources in the British intelligence that the ferry MS Estonia was used to transport weapons systems as a joint operation of the Estonian, Swedish and UK intelligence services. It holds a PwrIndx* rating of 2.5893 (0.0000 considered 'perfect'). Back in April, we reported that the Estonian Defence Forces had narrowed their choice of new service rifles down to three from Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, and Lewis Machine & Tool. The shoulder-launched guided missiles are said to have a standoff range of 2,000 meters and be capable of penetrating advanced modern armor The Defence Forces consist of regular military units totaling 6,500 officers and conscripts. Under barrel weapon designed to fit on many types of assault rifles. Bush. Purchased from. A few days later Estonia was invaded by the military forces of Bolshevist Russia, marking the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence. Shotguns Benelli M3 The delivery of the order will start in the third quarter of 2020, and the sets will go to anti-tank companies in the infantry brigades of the Estonian army (Maavägi). Weapons of Estonia 1918 to 1940 - Eesti relvad - Duration: 11:07. On 25 June 2007, Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves met with the president of United States, George W. The Es­ton­ian Land Forces ac­tively uses seven sizes of mil­i­tary unit: the Lahing­paar (Eng­lish: Fire and ma­neu­ver team), the Salk (Eng­lish: Fireteam), the Jagu (Eng­lish: Sec­tion), the Rühm (Eng­lish: Pla­toon), the Kom­panii (Eng­lish: Com­pany), the Pataljon (Eng­lish: Bat­tal­ion), and the Brigaad (Eng­lish: Brigade). After the German Revolution, between 11 and 14 November 1918, ending the German occupation in Estonia, the representatives of Germany formally handed over political power to the Government of Estonia. The roots of the current organization go back to 1918 when August Roos organized the first Estonian aviation unit. The attacks triggered a number of military organisations around the world to reconsider the importance of network security to modern military doctrine. Its army was built around three infantry divisions, with a fourth due to be formed. The Estonian Land Forces is the main arm of the defence forces. Its main goals remain the development and maintenance of a credible capability to defend the nation's vital interests and development of the EDF in a way that ensures their interoperability with the armed forces of NATO and EU member states and their capability to participate in the full range of Alliance missions. The Estonian military employs STANAG (NATO interoperable) weapons and equipment acquired from Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, the United States and Israel. The Estonian Army is always in constant defence readiness in co-operation with the other services. The majority of the naval forces are situated at the Miinisadam naval base. 7.62x51mm variant designated as, Variants Ak4, G3A3ZF, G3A4 and AG3F2. [10] The military occupation of Estonia was complete by 21 June 1940. See more ideas about armed forces, estonian, defence force. [27] Among the topics discussed were the attacks on Estonian e-infrastructure. Two years after the end of the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920), the Estonian Army consisted of 3 field divisions and a number of small independent battalions and companies (1922).. 9:51. Rented from Aerohooldus OÜ and Sky LLC since 2015. The Land Force development priorities are the capability to participate in missions outside the national territory and the capability to perform operations to protect the territory of Estonia, also in co-operation with the Allies. Estonian engineers designed and constructed the fighter aircraft, which displayed outstanding performance. These are Estonian customs destroy weapons forfeit from Russian smugglers. The departments for training and development are responsible for long-term and mid-term planning, resource planning, organisation and control of the planning of training and implementation of national defence activities. The Estonian Land Forces (Estonian: Maavägi), unofficially referred to as the Estonian Army, is the name of the unified ground forces among the Estonian Defence Forces where it has an offensive military formation role. Its tasks include special reconnaissance and surveillance, military support and direct action. The deliveries will be made in 2018, the company announced Wednesday. Also consider Small arms currently in service by national army. Estonian Defense Force soldier fires U.S. weapon ... May 23. ", "Galerii ja video: kaitsevägi sai jõgede ületamiseks uue sillasüsteemi", "Kaitseväe Logistikakeskus paneb oksjonile enam kui 170 kaitseväe sõidukit", "Kaitseväe sõidukipark täienes Volvo veokitega - Kaitsevägi", "Konkshaakesüsteemiga konteinerveokite ost", "Eesti ja Holland ostavad Milrem Roboticsilt mehitamata maismaasõidukid", "Saaremaal ristiti täna uhiuued mereväe väekaitsekaatrid", "Õhuvägi lõpetab sel aastal Robinsonide kasutamise", "Eesti õhuvägi sai kaks uut õppehävitajat", "Õhuvägi kinkis lennundusmuuseumile helikopteri", "Õhuvägi saab kingiks neli USA väikekopterit", https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsrebtech-completes-estonia-air-forces-r44-helicopter-upgrade/, "Mobiilsed radarid aitavad ennetada üllatusi", "Kaitseministeeriumi majandusaasta aruanne", "1st Armoured SISU 8x8 military truck delivery to Estonia", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_equipment_of_the_Estonian_Defence_Forces&oldid=995595505, Articles with Estonian-language sources (et), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, All units will be equipped with the new standard issue rifle by 2022. The Estonian Land Forces actively uses seven sizes of military unit: the Lahingpaar (English: Fire and maneuver team), the Salk (English: Fireteam), the Jagu (English: Section), the Rühm (English: Platoon), the Kompanii (English: Company), the Pataljon (English: Battalion), and the Brigaad (English: Brigade). The current structure operates the Mineships Division which also includes a divers group. The Estonian government was forced to give their assent to an agreement which allowed the USSR to establish military bases and station 25,000 troops on Estonian soil for "mutual defence". Estonian Infantry Weapons Estonian infantry officers were equipped with FN-Browning pistols and infantry companies were mainly issued with Nagant rifles. The administration and army of the young republic were only then being formed, and had very little experience. Of those new warfare capabilities the procurement of multirole fast patrol boats will be the priority. The General Staff is a joint staff engaged with operational leadership, training and development of the defence forces. Conscripts are serving in infantry, artillery, air defence, engineering, communications, naval, combat service support units and antitank, recce, mortar and military police subunits. 18 Spike-LR II systems to be delivered by EuroSpike GmbH, beginning in 2020. Estonia Army. Foxtrot Alpha 123,681 views. Among the discussions there have been proposals to reform service term to 6-9-12 months, such as in the Finnish Defence Forces, and to make female conscription mandatory. Estonia Estonian Army ranks military combat field uniforms dress grades uniformes combat Estonie Posted On Friday, 30 July 2010 04:48 The Air Force has several goals for the medium term: The Estonian air force was slow to reform because of the severely damaged infrastructure left behind by the Soviet Air Force and air defence units. Since 2004 Estonia has been a full member of the NATO; it had been one of its foremost priorities since the restoration of independence. Size does matter - 3.8m Georgians 1.3m Estonian If each Estonian Gives 1Euro to army each year, it adds up to 1.3m If every georgian gives 0.5Euros to army each year , it adds up to 1.9m Estonians only point is to get anti-tank and anti-air weapons. The average size of the military formation in peacetime is about 6,700 of whom about 3,200 are conscripts. [13] Only the Signal Battalion stationed in Tallinn at Raua Street, in front of the Tallinn School No. … To close out their time in Estonia, the U.S. soldiers provided chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training to the Estonian army's 1st Infantry Brigade. Army Spc. SPIKE SR missile capabilities demonstrated by Estonian Army Two missiles were fired, and each made a direct hit. The small, poorly armed Estonian military, also known as the Peoples Force (in Estonian: Rahvavägi), was initially pushed back by the Red Army into the vicinity of the capital city of Estonia - Tallinn. Estonia Military Strength (2020) For 2020, Estonia is ranked 119 of 138 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. submitted by Tervee. Infantry weapons All rifles, carbines, submachine guns and machine guns issued to conscripts as well as regular personnel are equipped with either a C79 optical sight or an Aimpoint CompM4 to allow the soldier to attach their night vision goggles to optic sight. [18], The Estonian Air Force is the main arm of the Estonian aviation forces. Democratically elected and appointed executive institutions make decisions on the use of the defence forces and determine the respective objectives, allocate the necessary resources and monitor the attainment of the objectives. Partly due to the timely arrival of a shipment of arms brought by a British naval squadron the Bolsheviks were stopped. Order of Battle Waffen-SS divisions 20 (1st Estonian) - 25 (Hunyadi) In these numbers range of the Waffen-SS divisions there are also some lesser known and bizarre formations, in addition to some with high combat Operational leadership is implemented by the Operational Staff, which plans and controls operations and ensures defence readiness and mobilisation. In wartime the reservists are mobilized into military units. Estonian army to buy American machine guns Monday, December 10, 2018 11:00:00 AM Estonia will become the second country after New Zealand to use automatic weapons produced by the American company Lewis as the primary firearm of its armed forces. [29] Estonian army to buy American machine guns Monday, December 10, 2018 11:00:00 AM Estonia will become the second country after New Zealand to use automatic weapons produced by the American company Lewis as the primary firearm of its armed forces. [33] The Estonian Army is structured according to the principle of a reserve force which means that the main part of the defence forces of the state are units in the reserve. It plays an important role in supporting the civil structures. Under barrel 1970's design for G3 rifles. The local air defence and air force units additionally had tactical nuclear weapons at their disposal. The Red Army attack starting at the end of 1918 hit Estonia in an extremely difficult situation. In peacetime the reservists conduct periodic training, and the state purchases equipment and weapons. February 26, 2010 at 7:04 am . Its members aid in putting out wildfires, volunteer as assistant police members, and ensure safety at various events. Weapons. The Estonian Land Forces, unofficially referred to as the Estonian Army, is the name of the unified ground forces among... Jump to. A mere 34 kilometers separated Tallinn and the front line. Purchased from Israel in 1993. First public results were estimated to arrive by autumn 2007. This skinpack has thirteen(13) humanskins, and has four (4) custom helmets made for the Estonians. There are no conscripts in Estonian Air Force. The chief of the defence forces and the commander-in-chief of the defence forces are both appointed and released from office by the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet on the proposal of the President of the Republic of Estonia. Variants C-90-CR-RB (M3), C-90-CR-AM (M3) and C-90-CR-BK (M3). Under barrel design for LMT R20 RAHE rifles. 80 CLU (with option for additional 40) and 350 missiles purchased from the. Staff located at Tapa. A few days later Estonia was invaded by the military forces of Bolshevist Russia, marking the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence. In wartime all these components are commanded by the commander-in-chief of the defence forces. The highest leader of the national defence is the president of the republic advised in national defence matters by the National Defence Council composed of the chairman of the Parliament, the prime minister, the chief of the defence forces (the commander-in-chief of the defence forces in wartime), the defence minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chairman of the Parliamentary National Defence Committee. This was the time when nations were re-arming and developing new military technology and many of these modern weapons shared the battlefield with weapons that were developed at … The Di­viis or in (Eng­lish: Di­vi­sion) is not in ac­tive use. The Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces is the headquarters of the military of Estonia and the working body of the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces. A mechanized infantry brigade armed with infantry combat vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery. The Estonian Army numbers some 6,000 active and 35,000 reservists, fielding two infantry brigades, an elite special operations task group, and a … There are a total of [ 46 ] Estonia Small Arms List (Current and Former Types) entries in the Military Factory. The field Artillery consisted of German, Russian and British weapons, anti-tank guns a mix of Swiss anti-tank rifles and German 37mm anti-tank guns, with a few Austrian 47mm infantry guns. The Ground Forces were supported by the Royal Navy as well as Finnish, Swedish and Danish volunteers. 6 to be repaired and maintained, including two driver training vehicles. [8][9] Given the overwhelming Soviet force, in order to avoid bloodshed and a futile and hopeless war, on 17 June 1940 the Estonian government decided not to resist. Estonian Public Broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) now report that the trials have ended and a winner has been chosen. The main goal of the Defence League is, on the basis of the citizens’ free will and initiative, to enhance the readiness of the nation to defend its independence and its constitutional order, including in the event of military threat. Reply. It consists of four territorial districts. Patrik. [22], Estonian Special Operations Force ESTSOF is the special operations command of the Estonian Defence Forces. [17] In addition to the current capabilities the command and control and shore-to-vessel communications will also be further improved. Return to the Country List. Until 2009, Estonia had 40 soldiers fighting alongside American Forces in the Iraq War and 150 soldiers, or about 3% of its total active military force, fighting alongside British Forces during the War in Afghanistan. [21] In 2014 Estonia has shown interest in purchasing Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters from Sweden which would lead the creation of an aviation wing which is currently nonexistent. Purchased from the United Kingdom in 2006. A video of the demonstration of the SPIKE SR can be seen here. The Estonian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a new competition for the development of future weapon systems. The Galil has performed well in both defensive and offensive situations by delivering accurate and lethal fire. By the end of February, all Estonian territory had been freed, and the Estonian army … The Merevägi includes units of patrol ships, minesweepers, a frigate and coast guard units, necessary to ensure the security of maritime communications lines and to establish and clear mine barriers. (HK69 - stand alone weapon pictured - HK 79 is a variant.) The operational need for such vessels is likely to ensure defence of territorial waters and to improve maritime surveillance.