Estonia repositions troops and buys long-range rockets to guard its Russian frontier
Estonia is moving its main infantry brigade closer to the Russian border and purchasing 300-km range rocket systems as part of an “active defence” shift.
Estonia’s defence ministry is implementing an active-defence doctrine by permanently stationing its 1st Infantry Brigade nearer to the Russian frontier, moving the unit from Tapa to Jõhvi, only 50 km from the border. New barracks are under construction in Jõhvi and a secondary base in Narva will eventually host up to 1,000 soldiers. The country is also expanding its strike capability with nine U.S. HIMARS and nine South Korean Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket systems, each able to hit targets up to 300 km away.
Officials warn that deterrence is insufficient and that the next one to four years are vital to prevent a limited Russian incursion. The United Kingdom plans to increase its contingent in Estonia to 1,200 troops and will field 300-km range Nyan attack drones in joint drills. Estonia’s budget for defence is set to rise 42 % to €2.4 billion, reflecting the heightened security concerns.
Why it matters
The moves signal a significant escalation in Baltic defence posture amid fears of Russian aggression.
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