Estonian soldiers to receive authority to sink enemy ships
Estonian Defence Forces (Photo: Getty Images)
Estonian President Alar Karis has signed into law amendments to the Defence Forces Organisation Act and the Economic Zone Act aimed at strengthening maritime security in the country’s territorial waters, reports Postimees.
The revised legislation clarifies the responsibilities of the Estonian Defence Forces, including provisions on the use of direct coercion and military force. The changes are designed to give the armed forces greater flexibility to operate at sea, enabling rapid responses to emerging maritime threats.
Under the amendments, the Defence Forces are authorised to use force within Estonia’s maritime territory in cases of threats targeting critical infrastructure, vital services, defence-related facilities, ports, or other maritime installations and equipment.
“The changes are intended to ensure more effective control and protection of Estonia’s maritime border, particularly amid rising threats in the Baltic region,” according to the bill’s explanatory note.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the newly adopted measures will enable the country’s Defence Forces to respond swiftly to potential threats and ensure the security of Estonia’s maritime borders.
He stressed that the use of force would be considered a last resort and would be carried out strictly under international law.
The move comes amid growing regional tensions. In 2024, Politico reported that Russia could potentially attempt to seize parts of Estonia, pointing to the eastern city of Narva - located on the border with Russia - as a possible flashpoint for a broader conflict.
According to the report, Narva, pressed against Estonia’s frontier with Russia, stands at the centre of efforts to counter persistent provocations from Moscow - ranging from satellite navigation jamming and the theft of border demarcation buoys to propaganda campaigns, surveillance drones, and the hum of airships.
