On 15 January 2026, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened an explosives production plant at the Ämari defence industry park, located at the Ämari Air Base west of Tallinn. According to ERR, Estonian company Nitrotol became the first manufacturer to produce military munitions on Estonian soil since the country regained its independence.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur described the opening as a “major step forward” and said it means Estonia has become a country capable of producing and exporting ammunition. He added that concentrating defence production domestically ensures the country can supply itself even during a crisis.
Nitrotol has produced military explosives, including mines, since 2019, but legal restrictions previously required the final explosive filling process to be completed abroad. The new Ämari facility removes this limitation and allows the entire production process to be carried out within Estonia.
Nitrotol’s products are already used by the Estonian Defence Forces and several NATO member states. Board member Jens Haug said the factory launch represents an important development milestone for both the company and Estonia’s defence sector.
Estonia’s defence manufacturing expansion is set to continue beyond Ämari, with further capacity planned at the Ermistu defence industry park in Pärnu County. On 30 December 2025, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments signed contracts for the site, where production is scheduled to begin in 2027 and additional company agreements are expected.
Source: Trade Estonia.
