Current operations
Estonian Defence Forces infantry platoon and staff officers serve in UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon since May 2015. The Estonian detachment is part of the Finnish-Irish battalion serving in Sector West in South Lebanon. The responsibilities of the Estonian infantry platoon include patrols, manning check-points and other peacekeeping duties. UNIFIL also cooperates with Lebanese Armed Forces.
As of March 1997 Estonian officers have participated as military observers in Middle-East with UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation).
Estonian observers are serving in rotations in Israel, Lebanon and Syria. The yearlong mission consists of patrols, manning observation posts and staff work. UNTSO was formed in 1948 to ensure the sanctity of the national agreements of Israel’s four neighbours – Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Estonian Defence Forces serve in the United Nations MINUSMA mission in Mali since September 2013. The goal of the mission is peace keeping and support of the Mali government in helping to organize free elections, assisting in administrative capacities and protection of human rights in the nation.
Estonian Defence Forces have been serving with the European Union training mission in Mali as of March, 2013. The purpose of the training mission is to support the Mali armed forces and assist the Malian government to maintain control over their national territory.
The mission is involved in supporting Malian armed forces via training and in an advisory capacity in areas covering leadership, military capability, rearguard support and personnel management.
Operation Barkhane is an ongoing anti-insurgent operation in support of Africa’s Sahel region countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger) in their fight against Islamic extremism. Operation Barkhane also helps prevent illegal immigration and human trafficking towards Europe. In addition to Estonia, United Kingdom transport helicopters and the Spanish Air Force component support the operation.
As of 2015 four Estonian Defence Forces members partcipate in NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afganistan. The mission aims to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions. Resolute Support was launched on 1 January 2015, following the stand-down of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Estonian Defence Forces partcipate in the Inherent Resolve operation in Iraq since 2016. Operation Inherent Resolve aims to defeat Daesh and increase regional stability.
KFOR (Kosovo)
Estonian Defence Forces serve in Kosovo as of 1999. The Multi purpose military police units Estpatrol-1 to Estpatrol-14 were part of the Italian military police units involved in peacekeeping operations with NATO in Kosovo from November 1999 to December 2006. The Baltic reconnaissance squadrons Baltsqn-7, Baltsqn-10 and Baltsqn-13 were part of the Danish contingent in missions from March 2003 to August 2006. Estonian Defence League participated with the reconnaissance units Estrif-1 to Estrif-6 from February 2007 to February 2010.
Currently Estonian Defence Forces are represented in NATO KFOR headquarters in Pristina by a staff NCO.