The Baltic nation of Estonia, strategically located near Russia, is actively seeking to upgrade its air defence infrastructure and has expressed significant interest in collaborating with Indian defence firms, particularly concerning advanced radar systems.
This initiative aligns with Estonia's plan to replace its current air defence radars by 2027 and complements a wider European Union (EU) trend of increasing military investment, as highlighted recently by Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Driven by heightened security concerns in the region, Estonia is modernizing its surveillance capabilities. Construction is already underway for a new radar facility on Hiiumaa Island, which is anticipated to be operational by mid-2026, demonstrating the country's commitment to enhancing its air monitoring network.
However, meeting the 2027 deadline for the replacement of its primary air defence radar systems necessitates exploring international partnerships for technology and production, prompting Estonia to look towards potential collaborators like India.
Experts note India's significant advancements in defence technology, especially in the development of sophisticated air defence and radar systems. As the European Union collectively aims to bolster its defence capabilities, Estonia perceives a strategic opportunity for joint production ventures with Indian companies.
Such collaboration could involve integrating Indian radar technology into Estonia's defence framework, potentially improving its operational compatibility with NATO allies within the crucial Baltic region.
India's defence industry is recognised for producing innovative and cost-efficient solutions. Radar systems developed domestically, such as the Arudhra Medium Power Radar and the Ashwini 4D Low-Level Transportable Radar, could potentially meet Estonia’s specific requirements for enhanced situational awareness and reliable threat detection.
These Indian systems are designed for effectiveness across diverse operational environments, which could be particularly beneficial given Estonia's northern climate and strategic location.
This potential Estonia-India partnership emerges against a backdrop of significantly increasing defence expenditure across the European Union. Projections suggest collective defence spending by EU member states could substantially rise in the coming years.
Estonia is mirroring this trend domestically, with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's government having previously announced commitments to substantially boost its own defence budget, aiming to potentially exceed 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, reinforcing its commitment to national and regional security.
