Estonia Plans to Start Building Fortifications on the Border with Russia This Year

Estonia is set to begin building fortifications along its border with Russia as early as this year. Bunkers will be constructed not only on state-owned land but also on private properties.

According to the ERR media, by early summer, the Estonian Defence Forces will choose between two types of bunkers that were tested last year, with construction expected to start within six months.

By autumn, the first support point with 14 bunkers is planned to be created in the Northeast, with an additional four to be installed in the Southeast of the country. The military emphasizes that during the design testing, the experience of the war in Ukraine was taken into account, particularly that the shelters are designed to withstand hits from 152mm artillery shells.

The bunkers were not tested against drone attacks, but the level of explosives used during the tests ensures protection against them as well.

According to Ainar Afanasyev, head of the engineering department at the Defence Forces Division’s headquarters, special nets are planned to be installed for protection against drones.

The fortification network will include not only bunkers but also anti-tank barriers and firing positions. Some elements of the defense infrastructure will only be installed during a crisis period.

A total of about 600 bunkers are planned to be placed along the eastern border. The construction of fortifications will primarily take place on state-owned land, although private land will also be involved.

According to officials, it is not necessary to purchase the land — it is sufficient to acquire the right to use it, as only 50 square meters of land is needed for one bunker.

The Estonian government’s plans to build 600 bunkers were first made public in January 2024.

Each bunker is designed to accommodate ten people and has an area of 30–35 square meters. The design ensures the possibility of holding positions for extended periods in combat conditions.

The shelters will be equipped with sleeping spaces, each assigned to a specific unit. However, permanent security for the bunkers is not planned.

The total cost of the project was estimated at €60 million. The capacity of the bunkers exceeds the number of the Estonian Land Forces in peacetime, therefore, the full staffing will require mobilization.

Most likely, this defense infrastructure is being developed with the potential involvement of NATO military units in the Baltic region in mind.