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 Air Surveillance Wing Ämari Air Base
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International co-operation

Estonia conducts military co-operation with numerous states and at various levels.

Bilateral co-operation

Estonia has concluded protocols or agreements of bilateral co-operation with the following states:
USA, Germany, Slovenia, Norway, United Kingdom, Sweden, Hungary, Poland, Finland, Ukraine, Denmark, Italy, Czech Republic, Turkey, France, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Bulgaria, Georgia and Slovakia.

Bilateral co-operation is vital for strengthening general stability and security, it also helps to develop civil-military relationships.

Trilateral co-operation

Estonia has concluded an agreement of trilateral co-operation with Latvia and Lithuania. Military co-operation between the Baltic states is important for ensuring regional security. The co-operation is mainly concentrated on the Baltic defence co-operation projects.

Aims of Baltic military co-operation

Baltic co-operation projects

BALTNET– the Baltic Air Surveillance Network
BALTDEFCOL – the Baltic Defence College

Multilateral co-operation

BALTSEA – co-ordinates the provision of defence-related support to the Baltic states.
Multilateral co-operation encompasses exercises and trainings in the framework of the programme Partnership for Peace (PfP).
NORBALTPERS – a personnel policy programme initiated by Norway to offer Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania assistance in personnel policy in the defence forces.

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Last updated: 16. November 2022, 15:30