Estonia digs anti-tank trenches on border with Russia
Illustrative photo: Estonia prepares for invasion (Getty Images)
Construction of the Baltic Defense Line has begun in southeastern Estonia. The line is being built by the Defense Forces in cooperation with the Center for Defense Investments (RKIK), reports ERR.
Digging of anti-tank ditches is underway in some parts of the border. By the end of the year, it is planned to build 28 bunkers and several dozen storage sites.
This is the first test section of the Baltic Defense Line. The anti-tank ditch is being created in the area between the border fence and the border posts.
Lieutenant Colonel Ainar Afanasjev, commander of the Defense Forces division's demining unit, said that the ditch is four meters wide and three meters deep.
The RKIK noted that this year, 4.4 million euros will be allocated for the construction of defense structures along the border.
Anti-tank ditches are being built in accordance with the analysis and needs of the Defense Forces. In peacetime, they will become part of the border infrastructure and will help protect the border.
The ditches are being dug both on state and private, and municipal land. In the case of the latter, the government plans to either buy the land, lease it, or exchange it for other land.
The Russian threat
The Baltic states fear a possible war with Russia and have already begun preparing hospitals for such a scenario.
The Baltic states, Poland, and Finland are withdrawing from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and intend to mine the border against the Russian troops.
