Estonia allocates over €30 million to strengthen border with Russia

The Estonian government has approved a €30.5 million allocation to enhance the security of the Estonian-Russian border, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades and advanced surveillance capabilities.

The funding will be used to strengthen and expand the infrastructure along the eastern border, as well as develop more robust surveillance systems, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Approximately €18 million of the total sum will be directed towards these improvements.

Additionally, Estonia plans to enhance surveillance and countermeasures in key locations, including the eastern border and the four largest cities, using drone technology. Around €12.5 million will be allocated for the development of drone-based monitoring and counteraction systems.

Earlier, Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets informed reporters that he had submitted a proposal to the government requesting funds to upgrade the initial technical solutions implemented during the construction of the border infrastructure. The proposal also includes completing access roads and enhancing telecommunications systems. Furthermore, Läänemets emphasized that Estonia aims to establish a drone defence system along the border to detect and neutralize potential drone threats. 

The funding is part of a larger €219 million package approved by the Estonian government for national defence investments, which will help bolster the country's security infrastructure in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

By Vafa Guliyeva