Estonia sets record defence spending at €2.4 billion

Estonia’s defence budget will reach 5.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) this year, marking a historic level for the republic, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said.

“In 2026, Estonia’s defence spending, including foreign contributions, is historically high: around €2.4 billion, or 5.43% of GDP,” the Estonian prime minister said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Kallas also highlighted that all planned defence procurement last year was successfully completed, resulting in the purchase of weapons and ammunition worth €545 million.

“All planned acquisitions were carried out and are ready for use. Particularly significant was the purchase of ammunition worth €350 million. In fact, we invested one per cent of our GDP in critically important ammunition,” she said.

The prime minister added that Estonia has received new K9 self-propelled artillery systems and mobile HIMARS rocket launchers.

By Khagan Isayev