Estonia approves new defence measures to counter drone threats, hybrid risks

The Estonian government has approved a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, with a particular focus on countering the growing threat posed by drones.

Under the new framework, responsibilities for responding to drone-related incidents will be clearly divided among national authorities. In peacetime, law enforcement agencies will take the lead in addressing unauthorised or potentially dangerous drone activity, while the military will be tasked with handling hostile or military-grade drones. The two sides will be able to coordinate joint responses when necessary, Caliber.Az reports per Estonian media. 

The government also outlined plans to significantly enhance Estonia’s drone detection and mitigation capabilities between 2026 and 2027. This includes the procurement of advanced systems designed to identify and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles. An acoustic monitoring network targeting low-flying objects will be deployed in the country’s eastern and northern regions, with nationwide low-altitude drone detection coverage expected by the end of 2027.

In a separate move, amendments to the Defence Forces Act were approved to expand the military’s authority in responding to hybrid threats—complex crises that may combine military and non-military elements. The changes allow for the potential involvement of allied forces in situations such as large-scale migration-related emergencies.

The legislation also introduces updated definitions of security zones and broadens the military’s authority in adjacent areas. This includes the ability to regulate maritime traffic during periods of heightened threat.

Additionally, the Estonian Defence Forces will gain expanded powers to ensure national security, including the authority to verify identities, conduct interviews, and, in specific circumstances, detain individuals or seize property.

By Sabina Mammadli