Enhancing Drone Capabilities to Receive Over a Million Euros in Funding, Says Minister of the Interior
Estonia Bolsters Drone Capabilities and GPS Navigation Protection in Response to Regional Threats
In light of Russia's military moves, Estonia has prioritised the development of its drone capabilities and measures to protect against GPS navigation interference as part of a broader defense strategy.
Strengthening Drone Capabilities
Estonia has allocated a significant portion of its €10 billion defence budget to enhance its drone capabilities. This includes an investment of up to €150 million for developing comprehensive drone technologies such as detection, countermeasures, strike, reconnaissance, and surveillance. The country is also set to procure larger drone systems starting from 2026-2027, focusing on low-altitude surveillance for better drone detection and electronic warfare tools for jamming and taking down drones. Additionally, Estonia is planning to establish a new drone manufacturing facility, which will enhance its capability to produce various types of drones. These drones are expected to be integrated into military operations from squad to division levels, enhancing Estonia's ability to respond to threats effectively.
Protecting Against GPS Navigation Interference
Estonia is procuring electronic warfare equipment that can be used to jam hostile drones or disrupt enemy communications systems, which could potentially include measures to protect against GPS jamming, although explicit strategies are not mentioned. The country is also part of a multinational effort to build a Baltic drone wall, which involves a UAV defense corridor equipped with autonomous surveillance systems and multilayer sensor networks. This initiative aims to counter hostile drones and could include measures to mitigate GPS interference as part of its broader defense strategy.
Broader Defense Strategy
Estonia is also investing in a multi-layered air defense system, which includes short-, medium-, and long-range munitions, to protect critical infrastructure from aerial threats. The country plans to increase its defense spending to 5.4% of GDP by 2026, reflecting a strong commitment to beefing up its defense capabilities in response to regional security challenges.
The Police and Border Guard Board has been working to improve the ability of drones to fly in difficult conditions, and proposals have been submitted to the Estonian government to allocate additional funds of 400,000 euros to increase internal security drone capabilities. However, disruptions to Police and Border Guard Board observation flights have occurred due to interference from satellite signals. The greatest impact of GPS interference has been identified around Narva and the Narva Bay area, where it is not safe to fly drones even at low altitudes.
In response to these threats, Estonian Minister of the Interior Igor Taro proposes using the EU hybrid activity sanctions regime. Taro also stated that the Police and Border Guard Board has successfully neutralized or prevented every move by the adversary, and that participants in aggression have no place in the civilized world.
[1] "Estonia Boosts Drone Capabilities to Counter Russian Threats" - Defense News (Link)
[2] "Estonia to Buy Drones and Establish Drone Manufacturing Facility" - Defence24 (Link)
[3] "Estonia to Increase Defense Spending to 5.4% of GDP by 2026" - Reuters (Link)
[4] "Estonia to Invest in Air Defense System" - Defense Aerospace (Link)
[5] "GPS Navigation System Interference Intensifies in Estonia" - ERR News (Link)
- In response to regional threats, Estonia has allocated funds towards strengthening its drone technology, aiming to enhance drone capabilities for military operations, as well as establishing a new drone manufacturing facility.
- To protect against potential GPS navigation interference, Estonia is investing in electronic warfare equipment that could include measures to disrupt enemy communications systems, and is also part of a multinational effort to create a Baltic drone wall, which might incorporate counter-measures against GPS jamming.
- As part of a broader defense strategy, Estonia is increasing its defense spending, modernizing its air defense systems, and is considering utilizing the EU hybrid activity sanctions regime to address threats from neighboring regions, including those involving crime and justice.
