Estonia approves sending Javelins to Ukraine in new aid package.

The Estonian government, led by Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, has approved a military aid package for Ukraine. This decision marks a continuous effort to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The package, valued at approximately 80 million euros, includes essential military equipment such as Javelin anti-tank missiles and other indispensable gear.
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Estonian Javelin FGM-148 Anti-tank infrared-guided missile. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

Pevkur emphasized Estonia's commitment, recalling how Estonian Javelins played a key role in defending Kyiv last year.

The aid package includes Javelin anti-tank mines, machine guns, ammunition for light weapons, various vehicles and ships, as well as diving equipment. While the exact quantities remain undisclosed for security reasons, the replacement value is estimated at 80 million euros. Pevkur assured that this aid is structured to maximize benefits for Ukraine without compromising Estonia's defense capabilities.

Pevkur also highlighted the importance of sustained support for Ukraine to counter Russian expectations of diminishing international aid. He underscored the broader implications of this conflict, affecting not just Ukraine, but also Estonian, transatlantic, and global security.

The Estonian Ministry of Defense has produced a discussion paper on establishing a successful transatlantic defense strategy. It suggests that if supporting nations allocate just 0.25% of their annual GDP to Ukraine, it could decisively tip the scales against Russia in the conflict.

Echoing these sentiments, the U.S. ambassador to NATO emphasized the importance of securing NATO's eastern flank. The ambassador noted that the combined economic power of the Ramstein coalition far exceeds that of Russia, yet a mere 0.25% of their GDPs would be enough to significantly weaken Russian forces.

Estonia has committed to allocating 0.25% of its GDP over the next four years to Ukrainian military aid, funded through its defense budget. Pevkur noted that supporting Ukraine also serves Estonia's interests, as each Russian military asset neutralized with Estonian aid reduces the threat to Europe, according to the Estonian government.

With this latest contribution, Estonia's total military support to Ukraine since 2022 amounts to approximately 500 million euros, about 1.4% of its GDP. Previous aids included Javelin anti-tank missile systems, howitzers, artillery and anti-tank ammunition, mortars, machine guns, vehicles, communication tools, field hospitals, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and military rations.