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
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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 Ämari Air Base Air Defence Wing Air Surveillance Wing Military Aviation Authority
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Chief of Staff of the Joint Headquarters major general Vahur Karus

As of 28 June 2024 the Joint Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces is headed by Major General Vahur Karus. The Chief of Staff of the Joint Headquarters commands the Joint Headquarters’ staff and the units subordinated to it.

MG Vahur Karus was born on 17th of November 1974 in Pärnu, Estonia.

He volunteered for his conscription in 1993 after graduating the high school in Noarootsi and entered the service with the Single Infantry Company in Pärnu. After graduating the junior NCO school he was appointed as a Squad Leader. In 1994 he was sent to Swedish Military Academy’s Infantry School in Linköping and was commissioned in 1996 upon graduation as a 2nd Lt to the Single Infantry Battalion in Pärnu. In this unit he served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander until he was accepted to Swedish Military Academy’s Junior Staff Officer Course in Skövde, Sweden. After graduation he continued his service in his former unit as Commander of the junior NCO training and as Chief of Staff of the battalion. In 2002 he was deployed to Kosovo and after completing the deployment he attended Swedish Military Academy’s Senior Staff Officer Course. In 2004 he was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Scouts Battalion in Paldiski and was deployed to Afghanistan as National Contingent Commander in 2006. After finishing his deployment in 2007 he attended the Swedish National Military University Advanced Command Program upon which he was appointed the Commanding Officer of the Scouts Battalion. Between 2013 and 2015 he served as MA to Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Gen Riho Terras. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2016 and served until 2018 as deputy director of the defence planning department of the Estonian MoD. Between 2018 and 2021, MG Karus was Commanding Officer of 1st Estonian Infantry Brigade and prior to current appointment, he served as Commandant of the Estonian Military Academy in Tartu.

He is married and proud father of two daughters. He is fluent in Swedish and English and can manage in German and Russian. MG Karus takes keen interest in military history and speed skating.

Ranks:
2024 Major General
2022 Brigadier General
2017 Colonel
2010 Lieutenant Colonel
2005 Major
2000 Capten
1998 1st Lieutenant
1996 2nd Lieutenant

Biography of Vahur Karus | 132 KB | pdf

Last updated: 2. July 2024, 12:21