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 Special Operations Forces NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence NATO Force Integration Unit Estonia (NFIU EST)
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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Commander

In peacetime the Estonian Defence Forces and the national defence organisations are led by the Commander of the Defence, in wartime by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.

The Commander of the Defence and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces are appointed and released from office by the Parliament on the proposal of the President of the Republic.

Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo
Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces
+372 717 1651
[email protected]

As of July 1, 2024 Estonian Defence Forces and national defence organisations are led by the Commander of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo.

Brigadier General Viktor Kalnitski
Deputy Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces
+372 717 1651
[email protected]

As of September 1, 2025 the Deputy Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces is Brigadier General Viktor Kalnitski.

Command Sergeant Major Andreas Rebane

Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Estonian Defence Forces
+372 717 1009
[email protected]

As of August 12, 2025 the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Estonian Defence Forces is Command Sergeant Major Andreas Rebane.

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Last updated: 23. September 2025, 11:16