Estonia is stepping up its support for Ukraine with a significant new military aid package that includes 10,000 rounds of artillery ammunition. This latest contribution, which also incorporates defense industry products from Estonia valued at more than 100 million euros (approximately $104 million), is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities and applying further pressure on Russia. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that this initiative will serve to strengthen Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict.
Over the past three years, Estonia’s government has been a robust supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid totaling around 500 million euros (nearly $524 million). This assistance represents over 1.4 percent of Estonia’s GDP. Previous contributions from the Baltic nation have included critical military equipment such as anti-tank missile systems and howitzers, along with artillery ammunition, anti-tank mortars, and machine guns.
In addition to its monetary aid, Estonia’s defense sector is also actively engaged in innovation to support Ukraine. Notably, in December of the previous year, the Estonian defense startup Frankenburg Technologies declared plans to test an anti-aircraft missile still under development within Ukraine, showcasing the commitment of Estonian companies to contributing to Ukraine’s defense.
As Estonia continues to support Ukraine, it is also taking measures to reinforce its own defense capabilities in light of heightened regional tensions. The Estonian government has announced a substantial investment plan of 5.6 billion euros (approximately $5.8 billion) aimed at military defense over the next four years. This includes an allocation of 1.6 billion euros (around $1.68 billion) specifically for long-range ammunition purchases that will extend until 2031.
Looking ahead, it is projected that Estonia’s defense spending will surpass 3 percent of its GDP annually, with further increases anticipated to reach 3.6 percent by 2027. This strategic investment reflects Estonia’s commitment to maintaining robust defense capabilities while fulfilling its role as a key ally for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict in the region.
