Ukrainian drone goes off course and crashes in Estonian field
Photo: Hanno Pevkur (Getty Images)
A Ukrainian drone entered Estonia during an attack on Russia’s Ust-Luga port. Tallinn insists that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, according to Estonia’s public broadcasting news portal.
According to Margo Palloson, Director General of the Estonian Internal Security Service, the drone fell on Estonian territory early on August 24.
Drone debris was found in a field on August 25, along with a crater from an explosion. There were no casualties or injuries.
"Preliminary data give us reason to believe this could have been a Ukrainian drone targeting facilities in Russia, but due to Russian GPS jamming and other electronic warfare measures, it veered off course and entered Estonian airspace."
He added that "nothing currently indicates it could have been a Russian drone."
Palloson clarified that the drone was military and carried explosives, which also detonated.
Government reaction
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said all necessary procedures were initiated after the incident.
"The discovery of drone debris is first and foremost related to the fact that Russia continues its war in Ukraine, while Ukraine is defending itself," he said.
Pevkur noted that Estonia has begun procuring a new type of radar capable of tracking low-flying objects.
"Our capabilities will significantly improve. Whether it will be 100% coverage - time will tell," the minister added.
Further investigation
According to Palloson, the drone could have entered Estonian airspace either from Russia or through Latvia. KAPO and the prosecutor’s office have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances.
Ants Kiviselg, head of the Military Intelligence Centre, stressed that Russian GPS jamming is aimed at protecting strategic facilities and not directed against Estonia or NATO. He added that the threat level for Estonia remains unchanged.
Context
On the eve of the incident, on August 24, Estonian border police detected a drone over Lake Peipus, which later crashed on the Russian side of the lake.
That same day, drone activity was reported in the Leningrad region during Ukrainian attacks on Russian facilities, including the Ust-Luga oil terminal and targets in St. Petersburg.
Ukrainian drones managed to strike Russia’s main oil terminal on the Baltic.
