October 2, 2024

Spanish NASAMS system deployed to Estonia to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank

By Defence Industry Europe

A Spanish air defence unit, equipped with the NASAMS, has been deployed to Estonia as part of NATO’s efforts to bolster the security of the alliance’s eastern flank. — Photo: Estonia Defence Forces.

A Spanish air defence unit, equipped with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), has been deployed to Estonia as part of NATO’s efforts to bolster the security of the alliance’s eastern flank. The unit, under the command of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, will play a crucial role in protecting strategic locations in the region.

The deployment is seen as a significant enhancement to airspace security in Estonia and across the wider Baltic region. Colonel Fredi Karu, Chief of Staff of the Estonian Air Force, expressed the importance of the unit’s presence, noting its contribution to the country’s defence readiness. He highlighted the benefits of working closely with NATO allies, stating: “This deployment has provided us with an excellent opportunity to practice cooperation with our allies and other units. It also gives the Estonian Defence Forces and Air Force valuable experience in the tactical command and management of medium-range air defence systems.”

The Spanish unit’s deployment is not only a boost to Estonia’s defence capabilities but also offers valuable training opportunities for integrating NASAMS into other defence systems. The NASAMS system, co-developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and the US company Raytheon, uses advanced medium-range missiles capable of targeting threats up to 25 km away and at altitudes of up to 10 km. The system’s radar can track up to 60 objects within a 75 km radius.

Captain Carlos Crespo Fernández, Commander of the Spanish Battery, reiterated Spain’s commitment to NATO operations, stating: “Spain is and will be committed to our allies, and we are proud to be one of the greatest contributors to NATO’s operations and missions.” He added that working with Estonia and other NATO members to safeguard the eastern flank is a significant honour.

This deployment is not Spain’s first contribution to Estonia’s defence. In March 2023, Spain became the first NATO member to send a NASAMS unit to the country, and the deployment continued until the end of that year. The current deployment, which began in August 2024, ensures that the Spanish air defence unit remains in constant readiness to respond to any potential air or missile threats.

The Spanish unit’s presence complements similar NATO efforts in the region, with another NASAMS-equipped unit stationed in Latvia. Together, these units form part of a coordinated defence strategy aimed at protecting NATO’s eastern flank from possible threats.

In a related development, Estonia and Latvia have signed a contract with Germany’s Diehl Defence to purchase IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence systems. The systems are expected to be delivered to Estonia by 2025-2026, further strengthening the country’s defensive capabilities.