The Estonian Defence Investment Center (RKIK) has unveiled three new barracks at the Ämari Air Base located in Harju County, marking a significant enhancement in accommodations for active military personnel in the area. Spanning a total area of 15,000 square meters (approximately 161,458 square feet), these new facilities are designed to support army, naval, and air force troops who are stationed and undergoing training at the base.
These barracks are also intended to accommodate allied forces who may be deployed in Estonia, along with providing essential utility and storage capabilities for the military. Steven Linkov, a Portfolio Manager at RKIK, underscored the importance of this development during the inauguration ceremony, noting that the facilities will markedly enhance living and training conditions for conscripts and active personnel. He also highlighted recent improvements to the air base, including the reopening of the Ämari airstrip in November 2024 and the completion of maintenance and training garages in December 2024, which facilitate daily upkeep and training of defense equipment.
The construction of these modern barracks was awarded to local firms Merko Ehitus Eesti AS and Ehitus5ECO AS earlier in 2023, reinforcing the regional commitment to military readiness and infrastructure. At the inauguration, Jaan Mäe, Chairman of the Merko Board, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the consortium and RKIK to ensure that these facilities meet the demands for comfortable living and training. He mentioned that the development of various technical systems occurred concurrently with the barracks’ construction, much to the benefit of the military personnel stationed there.
The Ämari Air Base has evolved into a key international military site in Northern Europe since the end of the Soviet era, serving as a strategic hub for operations involving the Baltic states and NATO partners. Over the years, the base has undergone numerous upgrades to better serve the needs of Estonian forces, and these latest developments further fortify its role. Plans are also in the works to establish an ammunition and explosives factory on the premises, further enhancing the capabilities of the Estonian Defence Forces and their allied counterparts.
