The Estonian Defense League will be involved in the protection of Estonia’s energy infrastructure.

Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets explained that the Defense League would be involved in desynchronizing the Estonian power system from the Russian one.

The Defense League is a volunteer paramilitary force in Estonia. Along with the Estonian Armed Forces, they are part of the Estonian Defense Forces.

“This operation, which will be conducted by the Police and Border Guard Board, also involves the participation of the Kaiselite,” the Minister shared.

According to him, it is planned to involve less than 100 employees of the Defense League.

Läänemets noted that at the moment of desynchronization, the Estonian power system will be the most vulnerable.

“We have taken many different preparations, but you never know. The logic of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is that it is better to be prepared, then nothing will happen,” the Minister noted.

He did not specify how long it would take to protect the facilities, but this period will in any case be longer than two or three days.

The situation will be reassessed after the Estonian power grid, which the Defense League will protect, is synchronized with continental Europe. Some facilities may then be moved from temporary to permanent protection.

The power systems of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are still operating in the IPS/UPS system, in which the frequency is controlled by Russia.

On February 8, 2025, the power systems of the Baltic countries will be disconnected from this grid and will start a joint test of their power systems in an isolated system. The synchronization with the frequency of continental Europe will take place on February 9, which will allow the Baltic countries to independently control the frequency in the system and increase their energy security.

In 2024, Estonia opened the renovated Emari Air Base, which is designed to strengthen the capabilities of NATO’s air mission in the region.