Estonia debates buying light combat aircraft as Russia uses jet-powered drones
Estonian Defence Minister Martin Herem says light trainer-combat aircraft could help counter Russia's jet-powered drones. Critics point to the high cost, the need to cut other defence programmes and the risk of the technology becoming obsolete.
Estonia is debating whether to buy light trainer and combat aircraft, such as the L-39 or Hawk, to strengthen its air defence. The reason is that Russia has increasingly used high-speed drones with jet engines over the past year, and traditional air defence systems are not always effective against them. The report comes from the Estonian public broadcaster's programme "Aktuaalne kaamera +". No decision has been made, and it will be up to the country's political leadership.
The minister's case
Defence Minister Martin Herem says the drones Russia now uses are essentially cheap jet-powered missiles, and aircraft are among the most effective means of countering them today. Estonia already operates two Czech-made L-39 aircraft for training. According to the minister, the review of the defence plan was prompted by new knowledge and experience, including lessons from the war in Ukraine.
Supporters note that Estonia has so far built its air defence mainly on ground-based systems. Jaak Tarien, Shield's business development head in the Baltic states, argues that defence must be multi-layered and that armed airborne platforms would be the next level. Leo Kunnas, a member of the parliamentary national defence committee, believes it makes sense to start with light fighters, since moving straight to the F-35 is not possible.
Criticism and costs
Experts estimate that a light fighter could cost up to 20 million euros, with further spending needed on weapons, maintenance and pilot training. Preparing an experienced pilot may take about a year, and a pilot without experience about two. Military pilot training has already begun at the Defence Forces academy.
Retired colonel Hannes Toomsalu says one squadron would not be enough against massed attacks and that, in wartime, Estonian airspace would have to be fully covered. Former defence minister Hanno Pevkur notes that, within the current budget, other defence programmes would have to be cut to pay for aircraft. Herem says Estonia will not abandon ship purchases, a position backed by former navy commander Juri Saska, who notes that about 8% of Estonia's foreign trade moves by sea.
Tarien adds that he sees no alternative to such aircraft for the next five to seven years, though unmanned combat platforms could perform the same tasks in the future.
