Estonia supports small arms and ammunition transfer to Ukraine

The government of Estonia supported the proposal of the local Ministry of Defense to send additional small arms and ammunition to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of Estonia said that they would send 150 small arms.

“Ukraine must be supported against the long-term aggression of the Russian Federation. We once again found a way for Estonia to lend a helping hand,” said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.

Pevkur noted that Estonia has already provided Ukraine with military aid worth more than € 400 million ($441 million), which is more than 1% of the Baltic country’s GDP.

It included missiles for the Javelin ATGM, D-30 howitzers, anti-tank mines, anti-tank grenade launchers, mortars, vehicles, means of communication, medical supplies, personal protective equipment and dry rations.

At the beginning of June 2023, Pevkur reported that Estonia still had weapons that it could transfer to Ukraine, but the specific assistance depended on what exactly the Armed Forces would need.

Strengthening Estonia

On July 16, Estonia approved the defense development plan for 2024-2027, which was based on Ukraine’s experience in resisting Russian aggression.

More than €1.2 billion were allocated only for the purchase of ammunition.

According to Hanno Pevkur, “Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine clearly shows in which directions we need to invest… Bringing national defense spending to 3% of GDP allows us to do this.”

In addition to the already agreed deliveries of HIMARS systems to Estonia, a medium-range missile system would also be purchased to strengthen air defense, ammunition for hitting air targets, the mechanization of maneuverable units has begun, and the ammunition reserve has also been significantly increased.

The Estonian M142 also will have ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 300 km.

Estonia intends to use modern American weapons to upgrade its armed forces and expand its own defense capabilities.