Estonia aims to acquire a dozen light fighter jets within four years

Estonia's defence minister, Martin Herem, announced that the country may need roughly a dozen light fighter jets to defend against jet-powered attack drones, with a procurement window that could stretch to four years. The three Baltic states currently operate no fighter jets, leaving NATO's Air Defense Mission to monitor their airspace. Estonia's air force has only used two Czech L-39 trainers for pilot training, but Herem argues that smaller, jet-powered aircraft—manned or unmanned—could fill the gap left by the unaffordable F-16s used by Ukraine.

Former commander Vello Loemaa highlighted that these jets would also be effective against loitering munitions, though Estonia lacks expertise in engaging aerial targets and will need to develop that capability. A dedicated squadron would consist of about twelve jets, with pilot conversion taking one to two years. Decisions on the procurement source and basing are still pending, reflecting long-standing funding and lobbying challenges for Estonia's fighter program.