Defence chief: Estonia to begin construction of military town

Estonia will begin construction of a military town in the border city of Narva this year, Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said, describing the project as a strategic step to strengthen national security.

Pevkur made the announcement during a visit to Ida-Viru County, where he held discussions with local authorities and representatives of the Estonian Defence Forces, Estonian media reports citing the Defence Ministry's statement on Wednesday, June 3.

Following talks with Narva’s leadership, the parties agreed that the city would support advancing the project as early as June. The ministry said this would allow preparations for launching a state construction tender, as well as the development of temporary infrastructure to ensure a rapid presence of defence forces in the border area.

Pevkur said the planned military town would play a key role in reinforcing Estonia’s defence capabilities while also increasing the state’s footprint in Narva, a city located near the Russian border.

He added that the project is expected to bring broader economic benefits, expressing confidence that the new facility would attract active residents to the region and contribute positively to local economic development.

By Tamilla Hasanova