Estonia weighs Patriot, SAMP/T and David’s Sling for ballistic-missile defence purchase potentially worth more than €1 billion

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Air and missile defence |
Estonia weighs Patriot, SAMP/T and David’s Sling for ballistic-missile defence purchase potentially worth more than €1 billion

Photo: U.S. Army.

Estonia plans to make a preliminary decision in September on the supplier and scale of its planned ballistic-missile defence acquisition. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the move would allow Tallinn to begin contract negotiations with the selected bidder.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments has completed a market assessment covering available systems. Its analysis will form the basis of the government’s procurement discussions.

Estonia has been seeking a capability to intercept ballistic missiles since spring 2025. The systems are intended to protect airports, ports and military command posts against enemy strikes.

The options under review include the US-made Patriot, the European SAMP/T and Israel’s David’s Sling. No formal budget or final order quantity has been set.

Earlier estimates indicated a cost ranging from several hundred million euros to more than €1 billion. The purchase is therefore likely to be limited to several fire units.

Pevkur said the proposals differ substantially in delivery schedules and technological maturity. Some suppliers are offering delivery within two to three years, while others require eight to nine years.

Some of the systems are already in production. Others are in the final stages of development and are expected to enter manufacturing soon.

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