Estonian Defence Forces

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

The main purpose of the Estonian Defence Forces is to keep Estonia safe and free. They aim to protect the country's land, waters, and airspace, as well as its way of governing itself. This means making sure Estonia can stay independent and strong.

One important goal of the EDF is to work closely with other countries, especially those in NATO and the European Union. By training and planning together, they can handle many different kinds of missions and support each other when needed. This teamwork helps make 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 began during the Estonian War of Independence. After Germany left Estonia in 1918, Soviet Russian forces invaded. The small Estonian military, called the Peoples Force, was pushed back but stopped with help from British ships. In early 1919, Estonian forces counterattacked and pushed the Soviet forces out of Estonia by February. Peace was signed in 1920.

Later, during World War II, Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union. After the war, Estonia regained its independence in 1991 and restored its Defence Forces. Since then, Estonia has continued to build and strengthen its military. Recently, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has invested heavily in new defence units and infrastructure.

Organization

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

In peaceful times, the EDF monitors borders and airspace, trains soldiers, and helps with emergencies. During crises, they prepare 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 principles. 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 peacetime, 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 conducts operations 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 plan to have more than 24,400 people ready for action during wartime. Most of these soldiers are part-time and only come together when needed.

Estonia started requiring young people to join the military in 1991. Each year, around 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 several important tools to protect the country. Some of these 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, which was very important after the country became independent again. Estonia works closely with the United States on defense and security. Today, Estonia is part of the NATO Response Force and helps with training in Iraq. In the past, Estonia sent soldiers to help in the Iraq War with American forces and in the War in Afghanistan with British forces. These soldiers were changed regularly. Estonia also sends peacekeepers to help in Bosnia and Kosovo, works with the EU on military groups, and helps stop pirates near the coast of Somalia. Estonia uses weapons and tools 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 military explosives, air defence missiles, and other important tools in these parks.

International companies are also investing in Estonia’s defence. For example, a South Korean company is putting money into making new weapons and keeping them working. There are also plans to build a special kind of warship and robots that can move on their own.