Estonia ramps up defense with €17M arms deal
Illustrative photo: Estonian military (GettyImages)
Estonia has signed a contract with a German company worth a total of 17 million euros. The deal involves the purchase of defensive (fragmentation) and offensive grenades, ERR reports.
The agreement was signed with the defense company Rheinmetall Waffe Munition ARGES GmbH. The contract will remain in effect for four years and provides for the purchase of both defensive (fragmentation) and offensive grenades for the Estonian Defense Forces.
According to reports, deliveries of hand grenades will begin in the second half of 2025. Defensive grenades will be delivered in 2026–2027, and offensive grenades will be supplied between 2026 and 2029.
The total value of the contract is approximately 17 million euros.
"Hand grenades have always been part of the combat equipment of the Estonian Defense Forces and are regularly used in training. This contract not only ensures continued use of the grenades but also allows us to increase stockpiles in light of the current security situation," the Estonian General Staff stated.
Hand grenades are part of a soldier’s combat gear and, depending on the tactical operation, are used in close combat — for example, in urban environments or trenches — for attack or to obstruct the enemy.
Estonia prepares for possible war with Russia
As previously reported, the Baltic states could become a primary target for Russia if it decides to attack NATO. Preparations are underway to prevent aggression from the hostile state. In particular, hospitals are being prepared for such a scenario.
Additionally, the Baltic states, Poland, and Finland are withdrawing from the convention banning anti-personnel mines and plan to mine the border to deter Russian forces.
Moreover, construction of the Baltic Defense Line has begun in southeastern Estonia. The line is being built by the Estonian Defense Forces in cooperation with the State Defense Investment Center (RKIK).
