Estonia Accelerates Drone Warfare Integration Amid Ukraine Lessons
Nation Boosts Procurement and Training for Next-Generation Conflict
Estonia is rapidly enhancing its drone capabilities, recognizing them as pivotal to modern warfare. Lessons from the conflict in Ukraine underscore the need for advanced unmanned systems, prompting significant investment and strategic planning. The nation is focused on integrating drones across all military levels, from reconnaissance to offensive operations and countermeasures.
Systemic Integration Over Quick Buys
The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) are prioritizing the systematic integration of unmanned systems rather than rapid, ad-hoc acquisitions. This approach ensures that drones become organic components of existing military units, fulfilling specific functions within established structures.
“Estonia thus cannot be accused of being passive or hopelessly behind in drone capabilities,” said
Arbo Probal, head of the EDF’s unmanned systems section.“We have considerable recce and strike capabilities, existing units and weapons systems, and plans for their expansion and continuous modernization.”— ERR News (@errnews) May 14, 2024
According to Arbo Probal, the EDF’s strategy involves carefully considered development plans to cover all operational needs. This includes enhancing reconnaissance, offensive capabilities, and countermeasures.
Expanding Arsenal: Drones and Countermeasures
The RKIK defense procurement agency is acquiring new electronic warfare equipment and increasing its drone inventory. While smaller drones are continuously being purchased, larger systems are expected to arrive in the coming years. Alongside advanced technology, the state is also procuring simpler, effective anti-drone measures, including a substantial number of pump-action shotguns.
Future procurement rounds for 2026-2027 will focus on low-altitude surveillance for better drone detection, electronic warfare tools for jamming, and weapons systems for direct engagement. Estonia’s commitment is further demonstrated by the opening of a dedicated drone training hub in Nurmsi.
Learning from the Frontlines
The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the effectiveness and affordability of UAVs in neutralizing armored vehicles, disrupting logistics, and improving situational awareness. Estonia is actively incorporating these battlefield lessons into its national defense strategy.
Arbo Probal noted that UAVs are vital for disseminating real-time information, enabling commanders to make swift, informed decisions. Fixed-wing drones provide battalion-level intelligence, while larger platforms offer brigade-level overviews. Plans are in motion to upgrade these brigade-level assets and establish a division-level reconnaissance system.
Estonia also possesses kinetic systems and dedicated units for their operation, with ongoing efforts to integrate them into tactical plans and command models. The procurement pipeline includes short-range FPV-type attack drones for direct battlefield engagement. By continuously mapping market solutions, Estonia aims to adapt swiftly to evolving threats and technological advancements, mirroring the rapid shifts seen in Ukraine.
The EDF acknowledges that some decision-making processes could be expedited. “The EDF and the entire defense sector are consciously moving in that direction – we are improving processes, shortening decision chains, and bringing technological innovation into training and use as quickly as possible,” Probal stated. This strategic objective aims to ensure operational readiness in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
A Multi-Layered Approach to Counter-Drone Operations
Estonia is developing a robust capability to detect and neutralize enemy unmanned aerial vehicles through a multi-layered strategy. Electronic warfare plays a crucial role, focusing on disrupting enemy communication, control systems, and navigation. The goal is early detection and rapid response, employing methods from signal jamming to visual detection and future semi-autonomous systems.
Probal emphasized that drone countermeasures are integrated into daily training, tactical planning, and operational activities, rather than existing as standalone elements. The defense industry is a key partner in this development, ensuring that technical solutions are user-centered and meet real battlefield requirements. As of 2023, global military spending on drones reached an estimated $13 billion, a figure expected to rise significantly as nations prioritize these capabilities.
Regarding interceptor drone units, the EDF does not plan to create separate formations. Instead, interceptor capabilities will be distributed across various units based on operational needs. This includes manually piloted FPV drones, electro-optical detection systems, and electronic jamming tools. The focus is on practical application, supported by clear tactical principles and procedures for their deployment.
Estonia’s approach involves systematic platform testing, procedure development, and training integration, drawing from international experience. The nation seeks reliable, needs-aligned solutions that are realistically usable within its existing command structures, ensuring smart adaptation for national defense readiness.