In the 2025-2028 period, Estonia plans to spend EUR 5.3 billion on defense equipment. A significant part of this amount (EUR 1.55 billion) will be allocated for the procurement of ammunition, the Estonian defense ministry said in a statement.
Hanno Pevkur, Estonian Minister of Defence, stated that Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, coupled with its ability to replenish lost materiel, shows that Estonia needs to focus even more on the resilience of troops and replenish both weapons and ammunition stockpiles.
“Ammunition stocks need to be replenished on a continuous basis, and although we have channeled funds for internal restructuring into ammunition procurement, we must continue to look for ways to procure additional ammunition,” said Pevkur.
“We have drawn the necessary conclusions from the war in Ukraine, and we see that we need to supplement the ammunition stockpiles, especially for tank and anti-aircraft weapons,” Pevkur added.
According to the Estonian defense ministry, one of its priorities is to increase the Estonian Defence Forces’ indirect fire capabilities. The country intends to create a new mobile artillery battalion.
“For improved mobility, the artillery guns will be mounted on wheeled platforms,” the Estonian defense ministry said.
The Estonian Defence Forces currently operate 24 K9 self-propelled howitzers delivered by South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace. However, this number is set to be increased to 36. In January 2024, Estonia signed a contract with Hanwha for an additional 12 guns, which are expected to be delivered by 2026.
