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
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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
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Estonian Defence Forces training team heads to Iraq

1. August 2016, 11:08

Thursday, a six-member training team of Estonian Defence Forces headed to Iraq to train soldiers of the Iraqi security forces over the next half year.

“We mainly focus on training infantry tactics and arms training in Iraq,” the commander of the training team, Captain Rainer Samarokov said. According to Samarokov, the Estonians are teaching the soldiers of the Iraqi security forces how to operate on a squad, platoon and company level. “We have defined the training objectives together with our allies from the United States and Denmark, with whom our co-operation will be the closest in the coalition.”

The Estonian training team will be located in Anbar Province of Iraq and operate as part of the Danish training contingent.

Operation Inherent Resolve aims to defeat Daesh and increase regional stability. The Riigikogu decided Estonia’s participation in the operation on 15 June 2016, giving a mandate to send up to 10 servicemen to Iraq. Currently Estonian training team of six and one staff officer serve in Iraq as part of operation Inherent Resolve.