Estonia ready to share defence industry expertise with Ukraine

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur offered to share his country’s defence industry expertise with Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv.

Speaking to Ukrainian officials, Pevkur suggested that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence explore the potential of Estonia’s military production capabilities, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

“Estonia will continue to assist and support Ukraine — more than 0.25 percent of our GDP has been allocated for this purpose in our national budget,” Pevkur affirmed.

This marks another step in Estonia’s ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict. The Estonian government remains committed to providing military support as part of its broader international engagement.

To recall, Estonia was among the first to offer defence aid to Ukraine, providing Javelin anti-tank missile systems before Russia's full-scale invasion began on 24 February 2022. The shipment of these missiles arrived on 22 February.

Since then, Estonia has contributed nearly €500 million in military assistance, representing over 1.4% of its GDP. Past donations have included Javelins, howitzers, anti-tank mines, grenade launchers, mortars, vehicles, communications gear, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment.

In partnership with Germany, Estonia also donated two field hospitals and medical supplies worth nearly €15 million. A third hospital is being provided in cooperation with the Netherlands and Norway, with €7.8 million in support.

Estonia’s latest aid package, valued at almost €80 million, includes additional Javelins, machine guns, light weaponry ammunition, vehicles, vessels, and diving equipment, with precise quantities kept confidential for security reasons.

By Aghakazim Guliyev