Estonian Defence Forces

Estonian Defence Forces

The Estonian Defence Forces is structured according to the principle of a reserve force which means that the main part of the defence forces of the state are units in the reserve. More than 4000 persons are in permanent readiness which in turn is part of EDF’s rapid response readiness (ca 29 000 persons altogether). In total, Estonian Defence Forces comprises of about 230 000 persons who are enrolled in mobilisation register.

Estonian Defence Forces
About Commander Joint Headquarters Conscript service Military education Reserve Force Operations abroad International co-operation History
Land Forces

Land Forces

The Estonian Land Forces are the main arm of the Defence Forces.

Development priorities for the Land Forces are the capability to participate in missions outside the national territory and the capability to perform operations to protect the territory of Estonia, also in co-operation with the Allies.

Land Forces
Estonian Division Cyber Command Support Command Military Police NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence Special Operations Forces
Navy

Navy

Estonian Navy’s duty is to protect the territorial waters of Estonia. In case of crisis, Navy defends harbour areas, sea lines of communication and by-sea approaches to the coastline. Co-operation with allied units will be done if deemed to be necessary.

Navy
Mine Warfare Squadron Coastal Defense Squadron Combat Service Support Squadron Patrol Boat Squadron Naval Training Establishment
Air Force

Air Force

The main task of the Estonian Air Force is to monitor the airspace and to provide support to the allied forces as a host country in the event of their arrival. The Air Force controls the country’s airspace and ensures air defense of strategic objects

Air Force
Air Force Headquarters Air Surveillance Wing Ämari Air Base Military Aviation Authority
News
Contact

Terras talks to Dempsey on situation in Ukraine

4. March 2014, 17:48

Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Riho Terras discussed the situation in Ukraine as well as the overall security in the region today with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America, General Martin Dempsey.

“There is a real necessity to demonstrate the unity of NATO today, because all of our Allies’ security is the primary priority of the US,” General Dempsey said.

Major General Terras stressed that given the current situation Europe must act concretely and send Russia a clear signal that its behaviour in Ukraine cannot be tolerated. “If necessary we need to empower this statement with political and economic sanctions,” Terras added.

General Martin Dempsey serves as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2011. Estonian Defence Forces members in Iraq were commanded by the General Dempsey in 2003-2004, during which time Estonian infantry platoons Estpla-7 and Estpla-8 served under the USA 1^st army armoured division. Estonians serving in the NATO Training Mission Iraq during 2007 were also under his command.