Estonia is planning to acquire surface-to-air missile systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

Mati Tikerpuu, an Estonian Centre for Defence Investments representative, confirmed this in an interview with ERR.

According to him, Estonia is currently closely evaluating three air defense systems from Israeli, American, and Franco-Italian manufacturers.

“This refers to the European SAMP/T system with Aster missiles, and also, of course, the Patriot and the Israeli David’s Sling system,” Tikerpuu stated.

He noted that Estonia is looking for a system capable of intercepting air targets at distances of up to 100 kilometers and altitudes of up to 20 kilometers. This means that enemy missiles will be struck at the most critical moment.

Ukraine’s experience shows that both the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense system, which uses Aster missiles, and the American Patriot are capable of handling this, Tikerpuu pointed out. Estonia has already contacted all the manufacturers and received descriptions of all the air defense systems they are interested in.

“Now we need to move on to the specifics and start discussing quantities, delivery timelines, and prices,” the official said.

The first in-person meeting with representatives from the companies that produce these air defense and missile defense systems is set to take place in April, with a second one planned for May.

However, before that, the Estonian Defense Forces need to calculate how many air defense systems are required to protect the country. To determine this, they evaluate how many sites need protection and how the enemy might target them.

The media suggests that the purchases are likely to exceed EUR one billion. However, the Ministry of Defense declined to provide specific figures.

In November 2023, Finland acquired the David’s Sling air defense missile systems from Israel. The deal, which is being called historic, is valued at around €317 million.