Estonia Strengthens Ukraine's Short-Range Air Defense with French Mistral Systems.

On June 11th, 2024, Estonian Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, announced that Estonia will provide an undisclosed number of Mistral man-portable short-range air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine as part of a new military assistance package.
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MBDA Mistral 3 MANPADS (Picture source: MBDA)

The Mistral systems, manufactured in France, are designed to target low-altitude aircraft and can be mounted on various platforms, including vehicles, ships, and helicopters. They have a maximum range of 6 kilometers. In announcing the donation, Minister Pevkur stated that Ukraine urgently needed to strengthen its air defenses to counter Russia's ongoing attacks. He emphasized that the aid package was structured to maximize benefits for Ukraine while preserving the operational capabilities of the Estonian Defense Forces. The specific details and scope of the assistance were not disclosed for security reasons.

On June 11, 2018, Estonia signed a 50 million euro contract with European missile manufacturer MBDA for the purchase of short-range Mistral air defense missiles, including training missiles, simulators, and testing and maintenance equipment. The contract was signed in Paris by Colonel Rauno Sirk, Director of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI), and Didier Philippe, Senior Vice President of MBDA for NATO countries. The contract also included an option for purchasing additional missiles up to a total of 100 million euros. The first systems were to be delivered in 2020. The contract was aimed at renewing and augmenting Estonia's Mistral missile arsenal, which the Estonian Defense Forces have been using since 2009, with the latest generation offering enhanced precision and extended lifespan.

The Mistral 3 missile is the latest iteration of MBDA's Mistral series. It boasts a claimed success rate of 96% in neutralizing aerial threats. The missile is designed to be effective against various threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It features a "fire and forget" launch system and is resistant to countermeasures. The missile has a high probability of destroying its target on the first shot. It also has exceptional maneuverability and can reach supersonic speeds. The Mistral 3 has a lifespan of 20 years and does not require maintenance during this period. In terms of technical specifications, the missile has a length of 1.88 meters and weighs less than 20 kg, with a warhead weighing 3 kg. It has a diameter of approximately 92 mm and can reach speeds of 930 m/s. The missile has a range of 500 m to 8000 m and can intercept targets at altitudes up to 6000 m.

Estonia's security policy is focused on protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, with particular concern about Russian military activities. Following Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Estonia increased its defense spending and provided Ukraine with military aid, including ammunition, anti-tank systems, and artillery. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) publishes annual medium-term development plans, aligned with the long-term National Defense Development Plan (NDPP) to achieve strategic objectives over a four-year period. The NDPP for 2031, adopted in December 2021, emphasizes improving territorial defense, indirect fire and anti-tank capabilities, as well as enhancing maritime and surveillance systems. Acquisition efforts include rocket artillery systems from the United States and joint procurements of medium-range air defense systems with Latvia and short-range systems with Poland. Additionally, Estonia joined the European Sky Shield initiative in 2022 to strengthen its air defense capabilities. Modernization efforts also focus on improving infrastructure and readiness, including plans to create a supplementary reserve and increase the number of active and conscript personnel.

Estonia's strategic integration with NATO significantly strengthens its defense posture, highlighted by the presence of a UK-led NATO battlegroup since mid-2017 as part of the Enhanced Forward Presence initiative. The Amari air base facilitates a NATO Air Policing detachment, underscoring the country's commitment to regional security. Estonia also contributes to international peacekeeping through participation in EU, NATO, and UN missions, albeit on a limited scale due to its modest organic deployment capabilities. Domestically, Estonia hosts NATO’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence and has developed a niche defense-industrial sector, specializing in robotics, ship repair, and digital systems. This multifaceted approach underscores Estonia's proactive stance in bolstering its defense and technological capabilities while closely collaborating with NATO and European partners.

The Estonian military, characterized by its blend of Soviet-era and contemporary Western equipment, has updated its arsenal with advanced technologies from Europe, Israel, South Korea, and the United States. In 2023, the structure of the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) includes a divisional headquarters, two infantry brigades, an artillery battalion, and additional support units. The Navy is equipped with a mine warfare flotilla, while specialized commands handle cyber defense and special operations. Military conscription, mandatory for men aged 18 to 27, involves service of 8 to 11 months, with variations based on the conscript's educational background and role. Since 2018, women have been eligible to volunteer for any branch, and in 2024, they represent approximately 10% of the professional force. The Defense League also includes a significant Women's Voluntary Defense Organization.

Estonia emphasizes a defense policy that ensures its sovereignty and the protection of its constitutional order, focusing significantly on developing a credible deterrence against external aggression, particularly from Russia. The resurgence of tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted Estonia to enhance its defense capabilities in air defense, artillery, and surveillance. Estonia's integration into NATO since 2004 has been crucial, hosting a UK-led NATO battlegroup and relying on NATO for air policing via rotations of member states’ fighter aircraft stationed at Ämari Air Base since 2014. Estonia also actively participates in the EU Common Security and Defense Policy and collaborates closely with Baltic neighbors and other allies like Canada and the US, underscoring its strategic position in Northern Europe.

Estonia has previously provided Ukraine with various military equipment, including Javelin anti-tank systems, howitzers, and artillery. A military aid package worth 20 million euros was also announced in March for Ukraine.