Estonian Defence Forces

Estonian Defence Forces

The Estonian Defence Forces 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. More than 4000 persons are in permanent readiness which in turn is part of EDF’s rapid response readiness (ca 29 000 persons altogether). In total, Estonian Defence Forces comprises of about 230 000 persons who are enrolled in mobilisation register.

Estonian Defence Forces
About Commander Joint Headquarters Conscript service Military education Reserve Force Operations abroad International co-operation History
Land Forces

Land Forces

The Estonian Land Forces are the main arm of the Defence Forces.

Development priorities for the Land Forces 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.

Land Forces
Estonian Division Cyber Command Support Command Military Police NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence Special Operations Forces
Navy

Navy

Estonian Navy’s duty is to protect the territorial waters of Estonia. In case of crisis, Navy defends harbour areas, sea lines of communication and by-sea approaches to the coastline. Co-operation with allied units will be done if deemed to be necessary.

Navy
Mine Warfare Squadron Coastal Defense Squadron Combat Service Support Squadron Patrol Boat Squadron Naval Training Establishment
Air Force

Air Force

The main task of the Estonian Air Force is to monitor the airspace and to provide support to the allied forces as a host country in the event of their arrival. The Air Force controls the country’s airspace and ensures air defense of strategic objects

Air Force
Air Force Headquarters Air Surveillance Wing Ämari Air Base Military Aviation Authority
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Commander of the Estonian Navy commodore Jüri Saska

Commander of the Navy since February 1, 2017.

Jüri Saska was born on 20th of August 1974 in Estonia. He joined Estonian Armed forces as conscript in 1993.

Upon completion of his naval officer’s basic course at Swedish Military Academy in 1998 he served on several positions on minehunters. During his onboard service he also completed Mine Warfare Staff Officer’s course at Belgium-Netherlands Mine Warfare School and tactical course at Swedish Military Academy.

He also served as staff officer in Baltic States’ common mine countermeasures squadron (BALTRON). He completed his duty afloat by assuming the command of ENS Admiral Pitka prior her service as staff ship for Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 in 2006 during period of 10 months.

Subsequently at service ashore he served on staff positions at Naval Staff and after his studies at US Naval War College in 2008 he was appointed as Commander of Naval Base. In 2011 he was appointed as Assistant Chief of Staff for Planning and Operational department.

Promoted to Commander in 2012, he continued on his previous post until August 2012 when he received his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff. After the reorganization of Estonian Navy command in 2014, he was appointed as Commander of Flotilla.

On completion of his studies in US Naval War College Command Course in 2016 he continued his service as Commander of Flotilla. As of February 1st 2017, defense minister appointed him as Commander of the Estonian Navy. On 15th of February 2017 Jüri Saska was promoted to Captain (Navy). On 18th of February 2020 Jüri Saska was promoted to Commodore.

He is a graduate of Tallinn School of Applied Sciences and Salve Regina University- M. A. in International Relations. He is fluent in four languages- Estonian, English, Swedish and Russian.

Jüri is married to Egle and is a proud father of two- daughter Johanna and son Joosep. On his spare time Jüri is passionate about woodworking, cars and motorcycles.

Last updated: 16. February 2022, 17:45