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 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 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
News
Contact
INTELLIGENCE CENTRE HOTLINE

Exercise Pikne

Exercise Pikne (“lightning“) will be held from September 18th to October 2nd, 2025, in North and North-East Estonia, West Estonia and South Estonia.

Exercise Pikne is an Estonian Division lead joint multinational exercise aimed at training the rapid deployment of Allied reinforcements and countering an adversary as an interoperable multinational force.

The aim of the exercise is to train projection of forces and defensive activities.

In total, nearly 3,000 military personnel from Estonia, Latvia, France, Great Britain and the United States will participate in the exercise.

Previously exercise Pikne took place in December 2024, in which almost 2,000 servicemen from Estonia, Latvia, France, Great Britain, and the United States participated.