Estonian Defence Forces

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Estonia Defence Forces
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"Military of Estonia" redirects here. Not to be confused with List of military units of Estonia. For the Estonian Army, see Estonian Land Forces.
Estonian Defence Forces
Eesti Kaitsevägi
Emblem of the Estonian Defence Forces
Flag of the Estonian Defence Forces
Founded12 November 1918; 105 years ago (1918-11-12)
Current form3 September 1991; 32 years ago (1991-09-03)
Service branches Estonian Land Forces
 Estonian Navy
 Estonian Air Force
HeadquartersHeadquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces, Tallinn
Websitemil.ee
Leadership
PresidentAlar Karis
Prime MinisterKaja Kallas
Minister of DefenceHanno Pevkur
Commander of the Defence ForcesGen. Martin Herem
Command Sergeant MajorEnn Adoson[1]
Personnel
Military age18
Conscription8 or 11 months
Fit for
military service		216,483 males, age 15–49,
260,408 females, age 15–49
Active personnel7,700 (3,500 conscripts)
Reserve personnel230,000 (38,800 in rapid response readiness, 80 000 have received training)[2]
Deployed personnel141[3]
Expenditures
Budget€1 billion (2023)[4][5]
Percent of GDP2.85% (2023)[4][5]
Related articles
History
RanksMilitary ranks of Estonia

The Estonian Defence Forces (Estonian: Eesti Kaitsevägi) is the unified military force of the Republic of Estonia. The Estonian Defence Forces consists of the Estonian Land Forces, the Estonian Navy, the Estonian Air Force, and the paramilitary Estonian Defence League. The national defence policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land area, territorial waters, airspace and its constitutional order. Its main goals remain the development and maintenance of a credible capability to defend the nation's vital interests and development of the defence forces in a way that ensures their interoperability with the armed forces of NATO and European Union member states to participate in the full range of missions for these military alliances.[6]

History

Main article: Military history of Estonia
See also:
Forest Brothers

The Estonian Defence Forces has its origins linked to the Estonian War of Independence. After the

naval squadron
.

In January 1919, the Estonian armed forces launched a counteroffensive, the

Republic of Estonia and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. After winning the Estonian Liberation War against Soviet Russia and German Freikorps
volunteers, Estonia maintained its independence for twenty-two years.

In August 1939, just prior to the start of

Signal Battalion stationed in Tallinn at Raua Street, in front of the Tallinn School No. 21 continued to resist. As the Red Army brought in additional reinforcements supported by armoured fighting vehicles, the battle lasted several hours until sundown. There was one dead, several wounded on the Estonian side and about 10 killed and more wounded on the Soviet side. Military resistance ended with negotiations. Signal Battalion surrendered and was disarmed.[16] In the Second World War, many Estonians joined German Wehrmacht auxiliary units, as well as eventually contributing the volunteers and conscripts for the 20th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Estonian)
which fought against the Red Army.

The Estonian Defence Forces was restored on 3 September 1991 by the Supreme Council of the

Republic of Estonia
. Since 1991, the armed forces of Estonia have re-opened and restored more than 30 old and new units and several army branches.

Since 2011, the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces is appointed by and is responsible to the Government of Estonia through the Ministry of Defence, rather than to the Riigikogu, as it had been before. It was due to constitutional amendments proposed by the former President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Structure

Estonian Defence Forces organization as of January 2024 (click to enlarge)

Its main goals remain the development and maintenance of a credible capability to defend the nation's vital interests and development of the EDF in a way that ensures their interoperability with the armed forces of NATO and EU member states and their capability to participate in the full range of Alliance missions.

In peacetime, the main tasks of the EDF are to monitor and maintain control over territorial borders and airspace, maintain combat readiness, train conscripts, develop reserve units, participate in NATO and UN-led international missions, and to provide assistance to civilian authorities in case of a national emergency.

In crises, the main tasks of the EDF are to increase the readiness levels of units as required, prepare for transition to wartime structure and begin mobilization as ordered, integrate units from other ministries, and prepare for assistance from and reception of friendly forces.

In wartime, the main tasks of the EDF are to defend the territorial integrity of the state, to facilitate the arrival and deployment of forces from other countries and co-operate with them, to maintain control over national airspace, and facilitate the air defence of strategic assets in co-operation with forces from other countries.

Leadership of the National Defence

The national defence of Estonia is conducted on the principles of civilian control being inherently bound with the democratic organization of the state. Democratically elected and appointed executive institutions make decisions on the use of the defence forces and determine the respective objectives, allocate the necessary resources and monitor the attainment of the objectives. The implementation of the principles of civilian control is guaranteed by defence-related rights, obligations and responsibilities legislatively laid upon the parliament, the president of the republic and the government of the republic. The highest leader of the national defence is the President of the Republic advised in national defence matters by the National Defence Council composed of the chairman of the Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Chief of the Defence Forces (the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces in wartime), the Defence Minister, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chairman of the Parliamentary National Defence Committee. Executive power in the leadership of the national defence is executed by the Government of the Republic.

Headquarters

Main article: Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces

In peacetime, the Estonian Defence Forces and the national defence organisations, including the Defence League, are led by the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces. In wartime, all these components are commanded by the commander-in-chief of the defence forces. The Chief of the Defence Forces and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces are both appointed and released from office by the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet on the proposal of the President of the Republic of Estonia.

The Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces is the headquarters of the military of Estonia and the working body of the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces. The General Staff is a joint staff engaged with operational leadership, training and development of the defence forces. Operational leadership is implemented by the Operational Staff, which plans and controls operations and ensures defence readiness and mobilisation. The departments for training and development are responsible for long-term and mid-term planning, resource planning, organisation and control of the planning of training and implementation of national defence activities. The General Staff of the Defence Forces is headed by the Chief of the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Land Forces

Main article: Estonian Land Forces
Estonian soldiers on exercise Operation Steadfast Javelin II 2014

The

Estonian Land Forces (Estonian: Maavägi) is the main arm of the defence forces. The average size of the military formation in peacetime is about 6,700 of whom about 3,200 are conscripts.[17] The Army component of the operational structure consists of the Estonian Division, which includes the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades as well as an artillery battalion and support units.[18]

Both infantry brigades act as training and support frames for deployable units. The Land Force development priorities 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.

Navy

Main article: Estonian Navy
EML Ugandi at sea

The Estonian Navy (Estonian: Merevägi) is responsible for all naval operations and protecting of the territorial waters of Estonia. The main functions of the naval force are the defence of the territorial waters and coast line, ensuring the maritime security, maintaining and managing communications and sea traffic in the territorial waters and co-operation with NATO and the navies of other friendly countries around. In case of a crisis situation the Merevägi must be ready to defend sea approaches, harbour areas, sea lines of communication and to co-operate with the coalition units. The Merevägi includes units of patrol ships, minesweepers, a frigate and coast guard units, necessary to ensure the security of maritime communications lines and to establish and clear mine barriers. The majority of the naval forces are situated at the Miinisadam naval base. The current structure operates the Mineships Division which also includes a divers group. In addition there are the Naval Academy, Naval Base at Miinisadam and the Naval Headquarters which are situated in Tallinn.[19] Since 1995 numerous mine clearance operations have been carried out in Estonian waters in close co-operation with other navies of the Baltic Sea region in order to find and dispose ordnance and contribute to safe seagoing. In 2007 the Merevägi mineships fleet was modernized and equipped with the

Sandown class minehunters. In 2010, according to the long-term defence development plan, it was announced that the Merevägi will receive some new capabilities. Of those new warfare capabilities the procurement of multirole fast patrol boats will be the priority. The operational need for such vessels is likely to ensure defence of territorial waters and to improve maritime surveillance.[20] In addition to the current capabilities the command and control and shore-to-vessel communications will also be further improved.[21]

Air Force

Main article: Estonian Air Force
A-10 ground attack aircraft from Michigan Air National Guard at Ämari Air Base

The

aviation forces. The roots of the current organization go back to 1918 when August Roos organized the first Estonian aviation unit. The Independence War gave great impetus to the development of the Estonian Air Force, which had by the middle of the 1930s more than 130 modern aircraft. The organization consisted of the Naval Aviation Group, Flight School, Air Base, Air Defence Artillery Group. Estonian engineers designed and constructed the fighter aircraft, which displayed outstanding performance. The Estonian Air Force was re-established in 1991 with the objectives of controlling Estonian airspace and the air defence of strategic objects.[22]

The Estonian air force was slow to reform because of the severely damaged infrastructure left behind by the

Let L-410UVP transport aircraft, three Mil Mi-2, and four Mil Mi-8 helicopters. The service branch received old Soviet radar and AAA equipment. The majority of Estonian Air Force units are stationed at one military airfield, Ämari Air Base, where renovation was completed in 2012.[23] The airfield and garrison at Ämari is focused on preparing and assisting cooperation with NATO and the air forces of partner nations, and allows it to supply the standardized airfield and aircraft services necessary for host nation support.[24]

Estonian Special Operations Force

Main article: Estonian Special Operations Force

Estonian Special Operations Force (ESTSOF) is the special operations command of the Estonian Defence Forces. Its tasks include special reconnaissance and surveillance, military support and direct action. The primary objective of the Special Operations Force is the development of capabilities for unconventional warfare.[25]

Cyber Command

The Estonian Defence Forces Cyber Command is responsible for conducting cyber operations to provide support for Ministry of Defence's area of responsibility. Its tasks include ensuring the operation of IT services and conducting defensive and offensive

Headquarters Support and Signal Battalion, Information and Communication Technology Center, Cyber Information Operations Center and Strategic Communications Center.[27]

Cyber security

See also:
Cyberattacks on Estonia 2007 and Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence

The Military of Estonia has been introducing a new 21st century based

formation in order to protect the vital infrastructure and e-infrastructure of Estonia. One of the leading organization in the Estonian cyber defence is the CERT (the Computer Emergency Response Team of Estonia), established in 2006, as an organisation responsible for the management of security incidents in .ee computer networks. Its task is to assist Estonian internet users in the implementation of preventive measures in order to reduce possible damage from security incidents and to help them in responding to security threats. The unit deals with security incidents that occur in Estonian networks, are started there, or have been notified of by citizens or institutions either in Estonia or abroad.[28]
On 25 June 2007, Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves met with the president of United States, George W. Bush.[29] Among the topics discussed were the attacks on Estonian e-infrastructure.[30] The attacks triggered a number of military organisations around the world to reconsider the importance of network security to modern military doctrine. On 14 June 2007, defence ministers of
communiqué promising immediate action. First public results were estimated to arrive by autumn 2007.[31]
In the aftermath of the
Cyberattacks on Estonia 2007, plans to combine network defence with Estonian military doctrine, and related NATO plans to create a Cybernetic Defence Centre in Estonia, had been nicknamed the "Tiger's Defence" (Estonian: Tiigrikaitse), in reference to Tiigrihüpe.[32]

Territorial Defence

See also: Estonian Defence League

Territorial Defence is a reserve force, which is based on the Estonian Defence League[33] - a voluntary military national defence organisation, which acts in the area of responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. It consists of four territorial districts. It is tasked with planning and conducting military operations with units that are under its command.[34]

The Defence League possesses arms and engages in military exercises. The main goal of the Defence League is, on the basis of the citizens’ free will and initiative, to enhance the readiness of the nation to defend its independence and its constitutional order, including in the event of military threat. It plays an important role in supporting the civil structures. Its members aid in putting out wildfires, volunteer as assistant police members, and ensure safety at various events. Units, consisting of voluntary members of the Defence League, also participate in international peace support operations such as in the Balkan states. The Defence League and its affiliated organizations have positive relations with partner organizations in the Nordic countries, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Personnel

An Estonian soldier presenting arms
See also: List of Estonian generals and Military ranks of Estonia

The Defence Forces consist of regular military units totaling 6,500 officers and conscripts. The planned size of the operational (wartime) structure as of 2017 was 21,000 personnel, which is to be increased to over 24,400 by 2026.[35] The Estonian Army 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.

In peacetime the reservists conduct periodic training, and the state purchases equipment and weapons. In wartime the reservists are mobilized into military units. The reserve units are formed on the territorial principle, i.e. conscripts from one area are called up at one time to one unit and after service they are sent to the reserve as one unit. The Estonian Army is always in constant defence readiness in co-operation with the other services.

Conscription

Estonian conscripts in formation

Estonia instituted compulsory military service in late 1991. Around 3200 conscripts, including a small number of women, enter military units of Estonian Defence Forces every year. There are no conscripts in Estonian Air Force. The service is 11 months long for those trained as junior NCOs, drivers, military policemen and specialists. Other soldiers serve 8 months. Conscripts are serving in infantry, artillery, air defence, engineering, communications, naval, combat service support units and antitank, recce, mortar and military police subunits. In 2023, the Estonian Minister of Defence proposed extending the maximum term of compulsory service to 12 months for certain specialties.[36]

According to the National Defence Development Plan, the annual number of conscripts should reach 4000 by 2022 after a revision of medical and physical requirements.[37] Increasing the number of soldiers would require more barracks, weapons and other infrastructure.

Equipment

Main article: List of equipment of the Estonian Defence Forces

Operations

International cooperation

See also:
Galil
rifles (2005)

Since 2004, Estonia has been a full member of

STANAG
(NATO interoperable) weapons and equipment acquired from Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, the United States and Israel.

See also

  • Military of Latvia
  • Military of Lithuania
  • Military of Poland
  • Defence Force

Citations

  1. ^ "Command Sergeant Major of the Estonian Defence Forces sergeant major Enn Adoson". Estonian Defence Forces.
  2. ^ "Estonian Defence Forces". Estonian Defence Forces. December 1, 2023.
  3. ^ IISS 2022, p. 101.
  4. ^ a b "2023. Aasta riigieelarve sõnumid | Eesti Vabariigi Valitsus". Archived from the original on 2023-01-14. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  5. ^ a b "Kaitse-eelarve | Kaitseministeerium".
  6. ^ "Estonian National Defence Policy". Archived from the original on March 15, 2008.
  7. ISBN 0-7166-0103-6
  8. ISBN 0-313-32355-0
  9. ISBN 0-415-28580-1
  10. ^ (in Finnish) Pavel Petrov Archived 2009-08-21 at the Wayback Machine at Finnish Defence Forces home page
  11. ^ (in Russian) Documents published from the State Archive of the Russian Navy Archived February 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Smith, Page 19.
  13. ^ Smith, Page 27.
  14. ^ Five Years of Dates, Time magazine, 24 June 1940
  15. ^ "Kaitsevägi". Kaitsevägi. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009.
  16. ^ (in Estonian) 51 years from the Raua Street Battle at Estonian Defence Forces web site
  17. ^ "Defenders of the State". Estonian National Defence Development. Ministry of Defence.
  18. ^ "Estonian Division". Republic of Estonia Defence Forces. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  19. ^ Kaitsevägi, Eesti. "Uudised - Kaitsevägi". mil.ee.
  20. ^ "Mereväele tahetakse 100 miljoni eest kiirkaatreid". Archived from the original on 2014-10-04. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  21. ^ The Long-Term Defence Development Plan: Naval modernization Archived 2010-07-19 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "Military of Estonia: History of the Air Force". Estonian Defence Forces. 9 May 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  23. ^ "Military of Estonia: Ämari Air Base". Estonian Defence Forces. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  24. ^ "President Ilves: Ämari Air Base shows solidarity of NATO allies". Estonia Office of the President. 15 September 2010. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  25. ^ Kaitsevägi, Eesti. "Erioperatsioonid - Kaitsevägi". www.mil.ee. Retrieved 2017-11-12.
  26. ^ Pau, Aivar (1 August 2018). "Tehtud! Eesti kaitsevägi lõi küberründeüksuse". tehnika.postimees.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  27. ^ "Cyber Command". www.mil.ee. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  28. ^ "Riigi Infosüsteemi Amet". www.ria.ee.
  29. ^ President Bush to welcome President Toomas Ilves of Estonia, White House press release, 4 May 2007
  30. ^ Bush, Ilves eye tougher tack on cybercrime[dead link], Yahoo/Agence France-Presse (AFP), 25 June 2007
  31. ^ (in Estonian) NATO andis rohelise tule Eesti küberkaitse kavale Archived 2008-06-04 at the Wayback Machine, Eesti Päevaleht, 15 June 2007
  32. ^ (in Estonian) President Ilves kohtus Ameerika Ühendriikide riigipeaga Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Office of the President of Estonia, 25 June 2007
  33. ^ Hoppe, Peeter. "Muutustest Eesti riigikaitses". riigikaitse.lehed.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  34. ^ "Kaitseväe põhimäärus". www.riigiteataja.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  35. ^ "National defence development plan 2017–2026". www.kaitseministeerium.ee. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  36. ^ Whyte, Andrew (7 February 2023). "Conscription terms to be extended to 12 months for some specialties". news.err.ee. ERR.
  37. ^ Kaitseministeerium, Eesti. "Jüri Luik: how do we protect Estonia?". www.kaitseministeerium.ee. Retrieved 2018-01-25.

References

External links

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