Estonia extends mandatory military service to 12 months

The Estonian government has approved a decision to extend the length of mandatory military service to 12 months for all conscripts.

Previously, service duration ranged from eight to eleven months, depending on specialty, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the government’s press service, starting in 2027, up to 4,100 young people will be conscripted each year, with call-ups conducted twice annually.

The changes are driven by the increased volume and technical complexity of training, the introduction of modern weapon systems, the need to maintain a sufficiently trained reserve for the Defense Forces’ combat structure, and evolving security conditions. 

The new service structure will consist of six months of intensive training followed by six months of practical service.

Direct costs associated with the extended service are projected at €31 million for 2027.

By Jeyhun Aghazada