Estonia weighs Patriot, SAMP/T and David's Sling for ballistic-missile defence
Estonia plans to make a preliminary decision in September on the supplier and scale of its planned ballistic-missile defence acquisition, potentially worth more than €1 billion. The options under consideration include Patriot, SAMP/T and David's Sling systems.
Why it matters: A €1 billion missile-defence buy from a nation of 1.3 million people is the clearest signal yet that the Baltic states are pricing in a standing threat from Russian Iskander and Kinzhal salvos — not a future risk, a current one.
Swedish-Estonian firm Cross Water develops plug-and-play rigid inflatable boat for naval missions
Cross Water, a Swedish-Estonian boatbuilder also trading as XW Production, is developing a modular rigid inflatable boat platform with drones, sensors and mission equipment that lock onto the deck in minutes. Software will eventually enable remote control or autonomous operation. The company aims to turn the military RIB into a reconfigurable system for multiple mission types.
Estonia weighs buying light jet aircraft to shoot down Russian jet-powered drones
Estonia's defense minister said the government should consider fielding light jet aircraft capable of intercepting Russian jet-powered attack drones. The proposal follows a pattern of Russian jet-powered drone activity near NATO's eastern border. No aircraft type, budget, or procurement timeline was specified.
Why it matters: A small NATO member is contemplating a fighter-mission aircraft for what was, until recently, considered an air-defense missile or gun problem — a doctrinal shift worth tracking as Russia fields faster strike drones.
Estonia considering light combat aircraft for counter-drone missions
Estonia is exploring the acquisition of light combat aircraft specifically for counter-drone operations, according to Opex360. The move reflects the Baltic state's need for a more cost-effective air response to low-altitude drone threats, given it relies on NATO air policing and has no indigenous fast-jet fleet.
Why it matters: A NATO member is contemplating buying turboprop strike aircraft for homeland air defense — a signal that drones have broken the jet-fighter monopoly on air sovereignty.
Estonian firm KrattWorks develops Shahed-like target drone for counter-UAS training
Estonian company KrattWorks announced a Shahed-like target drone for counter-drone training and will display its products at the AUSA conference in Washington. The system replicates the flight profile of Russian one-way attack drones for air-defense practice.