US transfers 13 reconnaissance drones to Estonia to boost border security
The United States has handed over 13 small reconnaissance drones to Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board to help monitor hard-to-reach border areas, with the transfer agreement signed in Tallinn.
Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has received 13 compact Skydio X10D reconnaissance drones from the United States, intended to help monitor hard-to-reach stretches of the country's borders.
The transfer agreement for the 13 small unmanned aircraft systems was signed on Monday by U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Roman Pipko and PPA Deputy Director General Veiko Kommusaar. The signing took place at Tallinn's Miinisadam Naval Base, where PPA personnel subsequently carried out a demonstration flight for the attending officials.
Compact drones with round-the-clock capability
According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy, the Skydio X10D drones are small enough to be carried by hand and can be launched quickly. They are equipped with both daytime and thermal cameras, enabling officials to monitor difficult-to-access areas at any time of day or night.
Ambassador Pipko said the transfer reflects both the U.S. commitment to Estonian security and the expertise Estonian partners bring to their daily work. He added that he expects continued cooperation in this area to strengthen the borders of both countries and make them safer, noting that U.S. border officials could also learn from their Estonian counterparts.
The drone transfer was funded through the U.S. State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), with the program implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
