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Estonia to Increase Its Strike Power with Advanced Loitering Munitions to Counter Russian Threats.
On December 10, 2024, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) announced a tender to establish a seven-year framework agreement for acquiring loitering munitions for the Estonian Defence Forces. This agreement aims to address the need for both short- and long-range systems to enhance Estonia's operational capabilities. By collaborating with multiple providers, the agreement ensures a diverse and adaptable supply of loitering munitions, taking into account evolving military requirements.
Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) announced a tender to establish a seven-year framework agreement for acquiring loitering munitions for the Estonian Defence Forces. (Picture source: Estonia MoD)
Ramil Lipp, Strategic Category Manager for Armaments at ECDI, outlined the components of the agreement, which will include first-person view (FPV) drones and other UAVs adapted for military operations, targeting devices, signal extenders, ground support units, and services such as training, maintenance, and lifecycle support. According to Lipp, this framework agreement aims to deliver precise and efficient solutions while offering the necessary flexibility to adapt to future needs.
This seven-year framework agreement represents a strategic approach to equipping the Estonian Defence Forces with cutting-edge technologies and addressing emerging threats. Collaboration with multiple partners guarantees essential flexibility to meet long-term military requirements, reaffirming Estonia’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening its defense capabilities.
While the ECDI has not officially disclosed the companies participating in this tender, several international suppliers are potential candidates. Among them, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a key player, having signed a contract with Estonia in May 2023 for acquiring Harop loitering munitions worth at least €100 million, with deployment expected by 2025. French company Thales may also position itself, thanks to the unveiling of the lightweight loitering munition Toutatis in June 2023, an innovative alternative to existing systems that could attract Estonia's interest.
The American company AeroVironment, known for its Switchblade 300 loitering munitions recently acquired by France, could also be among the potential suppliers. Moreover, in September 2023, Estonia announced the creation of a specialized unit for operating loitering munitions, inspired by lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. This unit will integrate systems like the Harop, already ordered, and potentially other similar equipment in the future. These efforts align with a strategy to modernize the country’s military capabilities while leveraging the operational advantages of these advanced technologies.
The Harop is a loitering munition combining reconnaissance and strike capabilities. It can patrol an area for several hours, identify targets using electro-optical sensors, and then crash into them with precision. These drones are particularly effective against mobile or well-camouflaged targets. Besides Estonia, the Harop has been exported to several countries, including India and Azerbaijan, where it was successfully used during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The lightweight loitering munition Toutatis, unveiled in 2023, is designed for precision strikes in complex environments. Featuring an adaptable payload, it stands out for its lightweight design and rapid deployment from ground or maritime units. It is particularly suited for operations requiring high discretion. Although it is still recent, Thales aims to offer it to several European countries and other NATO allies.
The Switchblade 300 is a compact and portable loitering munition designed for precise strikes against light targets. Weighing 2.5 kg with an operational range of approximately 10 km, it is highly valued for its rapid deployment on the battlefield. This system is used by the United States, Ukraine, and several other NATO allies, highlighting its growing global adoption.
The Estonian Armed Forces’ interest in loitering munitions lies in their precision, versatility, and cost-effectiveness in modern conflicts, as demonstrated in the Ukraine war. Systems such as the Harop, Toutatis, and Switchblade 300 offer significant advantages in reconnaissance and precision targeting while minimizing collateral damage. Their ability to patrol the battlefield and strike at the right moment provides a tactical edge against well-camouflaged or mobile adversaries.
The war in Ukraine has underscored the decisive role of these munitions in neutralizing large-scale armored formations, disrupting supply lines, and eliminating strategic targets with surgical precision. Estonia, sharing a border with Russia and facing similar security concerns, views these systems as essential for deterring potential aggression, protecting its sovereignty, and modernizing its defense capabilities. By adopting these technologies, Estonia aims to enhance its ability to effectively respond to emerging threats in a dynamic security environment.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Estonia has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen its defense against the Russian threat. In January 2022, the Estonian government allocated an additional budget of €380 million for national defense, aiming to accelerate military modernization and the acquisition of multiple-launch rocket systems in collaboration with Latvia and Lithuania. In September 2024, Estonia inaugurated the Reedo military camp, located less than 30 kilometers from the Russian border, designed to host up to 1,000 allied soldiers, including Americans, starting in 2025. This €21 million project aligns with NATO’s plans to deter any Russian incursion. Additionally, Estonia dedicates 3.4% of its GDP to defense, with investments in HIMARS rocket launchers and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. The country also plans to construct 600 bunkers along its 300-kilometer border with Russia by 2025, requiring a €60 million investment to enhance its resilience in the event of aggression.