Estonian Defence Forces

The Estonian Defence Forces, often called EDF, is the unified military force of the Republic of Estonia. It includes several parts, such as the Estonian Land Forces, the Estonian Navy, the Estonian Air Force, and the paramilitary Estonian Defence League. These groups work together to keep Estonia safe.

The main job of the Estonian Defence Forces is to protect Estonia. They watch over the land, waters, and airspace, helping Estonia stay free and strong.

A big goal of the EDF is to work with other countries, especially those in NATO and the European Union. By training and planning together, they can handle many missions and help each other. This teamwork makes sure Estonia and its allies are ready for any challenge.

History

Main article: Military history of Estonia

See also: Estonian War of Independence, Estonia in World War II, and Forest Brothers

The Estonian Defence Forces started during the Estonian War of Independence. In 1918, after Germany left, Soviet Russian forces invaded Estonia. The small Estonian army, called the Peoples Force, fought back with help from British ships. In early 1919, Estonian forces pushed Soviet troops out of Estonia by February. Peace was made in 1920.

Later, during World War II, Estonia was taken over by the Soviet Union. After the war, Estonia became free again in 1991 and started its Defence Forces once more. Since then, Estonia has worked to make its military stronger. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has spent more money on new defence units and buildings.

Organization

The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) are Estonia's military. They include the Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, and the Estonian Defence League, a volunteer group.

In peaceful times, the EDF watches borders and airspace, trains soldiers, and helps with emergencies. During crises, they get ready for possible war and work with other countries. In wartime, they defend Estonia and work with allied forces.

Leadership of the National Defence

Estonia's national defence follows democratic rules. Leaders are chosen by elected officials, and the President is the top leader, advised by a council of important government members.

Headquarters

Main article: Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces

The Commander of the EDF leads the forces in peaceful times, while the commander-in-chief leads in wartime. The Headquarters helps plan and organize military activities.

Land Forces

Main article: Estonian Land Forces

The Land Forces are the main part of the EDF. They include about 6,700 people, with around 3,200 being trainees. They have two brigades and support units.

Navy

Main article: Estonian Navy

The Navy protects Estonia's waters and coastline. They use ships, minesweepers, and coast guard units to keep sea routes safe and work with other countries.

Air Force

Main article: Estonian Air Force

The Air Force controls Estonia's airspace. They have aircraft and work with NATO to keep the skies safe. Most units are based at Ämari Air Base.

Estonian Special Operations Force

Main article: Estonian Special Operations Force

The Special Operations Force handles special missions like gathering information and supporting military actions.

Military Police of the Estonian Defence Forces

Main article: Military Police (Estonia)

The Military Police investigate serious issues within the military, ensure discipline, and handle security tasks.

Cyber Command

The Cyber Command protects Estonia's computer systems and works to defend against cyber attacks. It includes several units focused on technology and communications.

Cyber security

See also: Cyberattacks on Estonia 2007 and Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence

Estonia has built strong cyber defence to protect its important systems. The CERT team helps keep the internet safe and responds to security problems.

Territorial Defence

See also: Estonian Defence League

The Territorial Defence is a volunteer group that helps the military. They support civil activities, like fighting fires and keeping public events safe, and also join international peace operations.

Personnel

See also: List of Estonian generals and Military ranks of Estonia

The Estonian Defence Forces has about 6,500 soldiers and workers. By 2026, they want more than 24,400 people ready for action in wartime. Most of these soldiers are part-time and only come together when needed.

Estonia began requiring young people to join the military in 1991. Each year, about 4,100 new people, including some women, join. They train for different jobs in the army, such as fighting, driving, or fixing equipment. Some stay for 11 months, while others stay for 8 months. The country plans to train even more people in the future.

Equipment

Main article: List of equipment of the Estonian Defence Forces

The Estonian Defence Forces use important tools to protect the country. Some of these tools include the Patria XA-180, CV90, K9 Thunder, M142 HIMARS, and the EML Admiral Cowan. These tools help keep Estonia safe.

Operations

International cooperation

See also: Estonia in NATO operations

Since 2004, Estonia has been a full member of NATO. Estonia works closely with the United States on defense. Today, Estonia is part of the NATO Response Force. In the past, Estonia sent soldiers to help in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. Estonia also sends peacekeepers to help in Bosnia and Kosovo. Estonia works with the EU and helps stop pirates near the coast of Somalia. Estonia uses weapons that work well with NATO, which it got from countries like Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, the United States, and Israel.

Military industry

Estonia has been growing its military industry since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. New projects include creating three defence industry parks in Ida-Viru County, Ämari, and Pärnu. Companies are making important tools there.

International companies are also investing in Estonia’s defence. A South Korean company is helping to make new weapons. There are also plans to build special warships and robots.