As provided by the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, the general aim of national defence in Estonia is to maintain the independence of the state, territorial integrity, constitutional order and the safety of its population.

The President of the Republic shall be the supreme commander of the national defence of Estonia. The Government of the Republic shall direct and co-ordinate the activities of national defence. The Ministry of Defence shall be responsible for the organisation of military national defence in Estonia. The Estonian Defence Forces and the Defence League, which is comprised of volunteers, will implement the respective activities. The changing world around us requires us to be ready for changes. Becoming prepared to face yesterday’s threats will not protect us against either today’s or tomorrow’s threats (international terrorism, spreading of weapons of mass destruction, cyber threats). After accession with NATO, several important changes in understandings and basic texts have been introduced and are shaping the vision of national defence in Estonia.

Aside from the Constitution, the Peace-Time National Defence Act is one of the most important documents that provides the bases for civil control and establishes the principles for the organisation of national defence. The Act has been designed to ensure the integrated and balanced organisation of national defence, based on the principles of a democratic state and on the rule of law.

Upon regaining its independence in 1991, Estonia began from scratch to develop its national defence systems and means. Today, Estonia has become an equal partner for NATO and EU states. For the Estonian Navy, mine countermeasures capability could be enhanced as the most important capabilities. The Army has contributed to the infantry capabilities; however, specific niche capabilities have also been developed (e.g., Explosive Ordnance Disposal units). Air surveillance is the priority of the Air Force. Contemporary and sustainable solutions are the key words for armament and equipment. The training and command system of the Defence Forces is updated consistently and Estonian soldiers are highly valued in international operations as professional and reliable combatants.

Estonia meets the national defence objectives, as established with the Acts and strategic documents, by participating actively in international security politics and co-operation, developing initial independent defence capabilities. For Estonia, NATO and European Union membership give rise for the necessity to participate in international peace support organisations/operations with its allies. Estonia also participates in rotations of the EU battle groups and the NATO response forces (NRF).

From 2009, an important amendment was introduced to Peace-Time National Defense Act, regulating the hierarchy and interrelations of more detailed defense plans (namely National Security Concept, National Military Strategy, Defense Development Plan, Development Action Plan, Emergency Defense Plan).

In January 2009, new Defense development plan for 2009-2018 was adopted. The defence planning foreseen by it is twofold – strengthening the initial self defence capability and contributing the international security might be separate fields by definition but yet inseparable and strongly interrelated tasks in practice. The new plan is to harmonise the national defence planning in Estonia with the NATO planning cycle and will be reviewed every four years.

The development plan focuses on a number of important spheres including the following: increasing the initial defence capability, participation in international operations, increasing host nation support, the re-organisation and development of the Defence League, and continued improvement of service quality. Estonia also wants to improve the efficiency of the recruitment system within the framework of the development plan while ensuring a continued increase of wages and motivations for defence force members.