Estonian Ministry of Defence Copyright (c) 2012 Kaitseministeerium http://www.kmin.ee/ RSS Feed en Thu, 17 May 2012 12:27:11 +0300 <![CDATA[Reinsalu meets United States Deputy Secretary of State ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 09:50:08 +0300 Today, Minister of Defence Urmas Reinsalu met with United States Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns, with the discussion focusing mainly on the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago, and defence cooperation between the United States and Estonia.“In Chicago, we must affirm to the world that NATO will continue to remain the world’s most powerful defence alliance in the future, ensuring peace and stability both for Europe and North America,” said the Minister of Defence.
 
Meeting with Burns, Reinsalu affirmed that from this year Estonia would allocate 2 per cent of its gross domestic product to its defence budget. “This will ensure the stable and long-term development of our national defence and also boost our credibility and say at the international level,” said the Minister of Defence.
 
Issues concerning the future of the operation in Afghanistan were also discussed at the meeting. “The Estonian Defence Forces are prepared to continue – along with the United Kingdom and the United States – the operation in Afghanistan through the end of 2014, when the provision of security in the country will be taken over by Afghanistan’s own security forces,” affirmed Minister of Defence Reinsalu.
 
United States Deputy Secretary of State Burns complimented Estonia’s defence budget levels and significant contribution in Afghanistan to date. “Estonia takes seriously both its own and its allies’ security, having thereby become a true example for other NATO countries,” said Deputy Secretary of State Burns.
 
Reinsalu also thanked the United States for its support on the achievement of a solution concerning the air policing of the Baltic States.
 
United States Deputy Secretary of State Burns, on a visit to Tallinn, also met yesterday with President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves. Today, Burns will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet, and visit the International Centre for Defence Studies.

 
Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
MoD Estonia Press Officer
Tel +372 717 0116 / 372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kaitseministeerium.ee
]]> <![CDATA[Reinsalu: It is my duty to continue with reforms ]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 17:33:03 +0300 Upon taking office today, Minister of Defence Urmas Reinsalu said that it was his duty to carry on with the reforms begun by the previous Ministers of Defence.
At the ceremony held in the Great Hall at the Ministry of Defence, the Minister of Defence said that the defence sector needed no revolution but rather evolution, as it had been moving in the right direction in the previous years under the leadership of Jaak Aaviksoo and Mart Laar.

“It is my duty, however, to continue what the previous Ministers of Defence began and to proceed with the necessary reforms – the referral of the new Defence Forces Service and Defence League Acts to the Riigikogu and the development of a 10-year development plan for national defence,” said the newly appointed Minister.

In this, according to Reinsalu, the purposeful, efficient and effective use of the two per cent of the gross domestic product entrusted to the defence sector has to be ensured.

“The leadership of the Ministry of Defence and the Defence League make up a wonderful team whose expertise and professionalism I will be able to draw on in my work as Minister,” said the Minister of Defence.

At the ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mikk Marran handed over to the new Minister a soccer jersey bearing his name and the number 14, which stands for today’s date and Estonia’s 14th Minister of Defence since the restoration of independence.]]> <![CDATA[Estonian Ministry of Defence supports doctoral theses on defence]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 10:26:19 +0300 The Ministry of Defence is announcing a scholarship competition for doctoral theses on defence, with submissions accepted from doctoral students who have begun their studies in 2012 at universities in Estonia or abroad.
The Ministry of Defence will award up to three scholarships, of which at least one is to be allocated to a doctoral student in life, hard or engineering sciences. One scholarship will total EUR 48 000, paid in successive grants over the nominal term for completing doctoral studies.
 
The purpose of the competition is to support promising young scholars in conducting research on defence, in order to generate a new, viable generation of competent researchers in areas of investigation important to Estonia’s national defence. The studies and thesis topic of a doctoral student participating in the competition have to be linked to a direction of investigation important to national defence, the support of which is consistent with the long-term needs of the Estonian Defence Forces and with the strategic interests of the Estonian Ministry of Defence.
 
According to Undersecretary for Defence Investments Ingvar Pärnamäe, this support for young Estonian scholars, just like the pursuit of research with a national defence orientation, ought to be viewed in the context of broad-based national defence.“It is very important to also involve in the process representatives of the academe, whose valuable knowledge and innovative ideas may be implemented for the benefit of a more developed, stronger national defence for Estonia,” Pärnamäe added.
 
Submissions to the scholarship competition are open to doctoral students who are Estonian nationals and have enrolled in 2012 for full-time study under an accredited curriculum as state-subsidised or fee-paying students, both at public universities in Estonia and at universities abroad.

]]> <![CDATA[Mart Laar tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister]]> Mon, 07 May 2012 10:30:13 +0300 Minister of Defence Mart Laar has tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, to stand down as Minister of Defence.

“I am accustomed to doing my work with complete dedication, which at the moment I am unable to do. Consequently, I have decided to step down from my post,” the Minister of Defence said.

Mr Laar thanks the Prime Minister and all the other good people for their sympathy, understanding and caring during his illness.

“Now is a time for me to focus on myself; however, I wish to continue to contribute advice and support for the advancement of the nation,” he said.

Additional information:
Rauno Veri
Adviser to the Minister of Defence
5340 8908
]]> <![CDATA[Commander Sten Sepper to become Commander of Navy]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:10:45 +0300 Jaak Aaviksoo, the Minister of Education and Science, fulfilling the obligations of the Minister of Defence, appointed, on the proposal of the Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier General Riho Terras, Commander Senior Grade Sten Sepper as the new Commander of the Navy, as of 23 July.
Under the Defence Forces Service Act, service commanders are appointed by the Minister of Defence on the proposal of the Chief of the Defence Forces.

Sten Sepper (41) has served in the Defence Forces of Estonia since 1993, and will be the first Commander of Navy to have begun his military service in the Estonian Defence Forces. He is a graduate of the Finnish National Defence University, completing both the naval officer course and general staff officer course, and defended his Master’s degree there.

Commander Senior Grade Sepper has extensive naval experience; he has served in the Navy as the commander of several vessels, Commander of the MCM Squadron, Chief of Operations in the Estonian Naval Staff and the Commander of the Baltic Naval Squadron BALTRON. Commander Senior Grade Sepper is currently serving as a lecturer on naval operations at the Baltic Defence College.

The current Commander of the Navy, Navy Captain Igor Schvede, will continue service in the General Staff after completion of his studies in the USA.


Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
MoD Estonia Press Officer
Telephone: +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kaitseministeerium.ee ]]> <![CDATA[NATO science conference to be held in Tallinn]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:02:08 +0300 A three-day conference of the NATO Research and Technology Organisation began today in Tallinn, addressing the use of social media in military applications.
At the conference, held by the Ministry of Defence and the NATO Research and Technology Organisation (RTO), potential opportunities and risks associated with the use of social media will be discussed based on the results of recent research and analyses.

Altogether, more than 110 experts from NATO member states are attending the conference. In addition to researchers from the United States, Canada and Germany – some of the leading nations in social media – the conference will feature presentations by three researchers from Estonia, whose presentations have passed the tough gauntlet at the NATO programme committee.

Ministry of Defence Undersecretary for Legal and Administrative Affairs Taimar Peterkop recalled in his keynote address that the military theorist Carl von Clausewitz considered it the chief purpose of war to subordinate the actions of one’s adversary to one’s will. “Whereas in the 19th century this was accomplished mainly by means of purely military operations, in this day and age the actions of one’s adversary are subordinated increasingly by influencing the public sentiment of its population,” Undersecretary Peterkop pointed out.

“Present-day battles in the public domain and their principal ammunition are no longer bullets or shells but, increasingly, information disseminated via social media. Wars are no longer won by those with the most tanks but those who have the most reliable and accurate information and who are able to transmit it using the right channels,” Peterkop said.

Later in the week, Tallinn will host the spring meeting of the Human Factors and Medicine Panel of the NATO RTO, held in Estonia for the first time.

The main functions of the Panel include providing the armed forces of NATO member states with scientifically reliable innovative solutions in a variety of areas, ranging from military medicine and mental health to increasing the efficiency of information and psychological operations and of soldiers’ performance ability.

Issues related to military medicine and the human factor in the armed forces is one of the key priorities for defence research and development in Estonia, with the Ministry of Defence supporting the participation of Estonian experts in the 12 working groups of the Panel. Estonia’s interests on the Human Factors and Medicine Panel of the NATO Research and Technology Organisation are being represented by Professor Jaanus Harro of the University of Tartu.

NB! Photographs from the opening of the conference are available at: http://www.mil.ee/~fotek/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album1317&page=1


Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
MoD Estonia Press Officer
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kaitseministeerium.ee ]]> <![CDATA[Estonia and Japan to intensify cyber cooperation]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:46:12 +0300 Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mikk Marran, on a visit to Japan, met with Japan’s Vice Minister of Defence Hironori Kanazawa and other senior officials from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.
This is the first high-level visit by the Estonian Ministry of Defence to its counterparts in Japan.

At the meetings, collaboration on cyber defence and issues related to the future of Afghanistan were discussed, and more frequent consultations on defence were agreed.

It was also decided at the meeting that collaboration on cyber defence should be deepened, and Estonia invited Japan to contribute to the work of NATO’s Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn and to take part in cyber defence exercises.

According to Permanent Secretary Marran, Japan is one of NATO’s eight global partners with a significant role in both their own region and the world at large. “The structure of the Estonian and Japanese agencies involved in cyber defence is very similar; however, contacts between Estonian and Japanese cyber specialists to date have been few. We also discussed the political and legal aspects of cyber defence at various international organisations,” Marran said.

In addition, issues related to the future of Afghanistan were addressed, with a discussion of the conference to be held in Tokyo this summer for the purpose of identifying resources to fund major development projects in Afghanistan.

The visit also included meetings with Tetsuro Fukuyama, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defence in the upper house of the National Diet of Japan, and Taro Kono, former Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs in the lower house of the Diet.


Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
MoD Estonia Press Officer
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kaitseministeerium.ee ]]> <![CDATA[Estonian National Defence College invites everyone to visit during spring break]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:59:58 +0200 On 21 March, the Estonian National Defence College will welcome visitors interested in examining the possibility of studying to become an officer and to view a photo exhibition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Defence Forces.At the doors open day at the Estonian National Defence College, the cadets of the Basic Officer Training Course will talk about national defence and life as a cadet, introduce the learning and living quarters, the Museum of the Estonian National Defence College, and weaponry. At the Cadet Casino, international cooperation between military schools and historic traditions will be discussed. Information will be given to interested parties about the entrance examinations and learning possibilities.

Visitors can also take a look at the photo exhibition “Twenty”, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Defence Forces, presenting an overview of the development of the Defence Forces during the period 1991-2011. Estonian National Defence College is open from 9-15, excursions start every full and half hour.

Traditionally, the institutions of higher education in Tartu organise doors open days during spring break, so that the graduates of different upper secondary schools may learn about the possibilities for continuing their education in Tartu. In addition to the Estonian National Defence College, visitors are also welcome at the University of Tartu, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Tartu Art College, the Estonian Aviation Academy and the Tartu Health Care College.

On the occasion of the joint doors open day by institutions of higher education in Tartu, a special train will be traveling between Tallinn and Tartu, and special buses will be coming from several county centres. Additional information »

Estonian National Defence College is the only higher education institution of national defence in Estonia, training officers for the Defence Forces and the National Defence League. At the Basic Officer Training Course of the Officer’s School, the cadets acquire basic officer skills and receive an applied higher education in military leadership and the rank of second lieutenant.

Doors open days promoting national defence education are organised on almost a monthly basis by the Estonian National Defence College. Two opportunities still remain in the first half of this year, 20 April and 18 May, for all interested parties to examine the life and activities of the cadets.

]]> <![CDATA[Defence-related offset brought millions to Estonia]]> Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:10:57 +0200 Today was the official closing of the offset contract for the air defence missile system Mistral, which brought foreign investments into the Estonian economy in the total amount of EUR 15 million.
This is the first defence-related offset by which the suppliers of the air defence missile system Mistral, MBDA and SAAB, agreed to invest in the Estonian economy through making the offset. This means that over a period of five years, almost EUR 15 million was invested into the Estonian economy.

According to Ingvar Pärnamäe, Undersecretary for Defence Investments at the Ministry of Defence, this proves that Estonia has something to offer and the Ministry of Defence is planning to continue implementing the offset obligation in its future larger weapons procurements. “Even more important than the money invested are the long-term connections, which last longer than a single transaction,” Pärnamäe emphasised.

Investments were made in the engineering industry, medical supplies and equipment, software development, radio technology, mobile security systems, material technology and research and development.

As the positive sides of implementing offset, Pärnamäe brought out the increasing long-term economic activity that establishes stronger Estonian businesses, creation of new jobs, better awareness of Estonian products and Estonia’s manufacturing capabilities abroad, a more balanced foreign trade balance, and the development and introduction of new technologies.

Under the air defence missile system procurement, awarded in February of 2007 by the Ministry of Defence, the suppliers of the system, MBDA and SAAB, undertook an obligation to make the offset from Estonian undertakings in the total amount of almost EUR 56 million. According to the contract, the offset had to be made by February 2012.

By January 2012, both MBDA and SAAB had completed their offset obligation in full. In total, MBDA and SAAB made offset from Estonian undertakings in the actual amount of EUR 15 426 778, which is EUR 63 625 584 with coefficients.

The offset fields were divided into different categories by which offset related to research and development, strategic goods, high-tech goods, etc., were preferred. The more valued the field, the higher the coefficient by which the procurements were multiplied.


Additional information:
Linda Raska
Public Affairs Department at the Ministry of Defence
Tel +372 7170078
linda.raska@kmin.ee

]]> <![CDATA[Mart Laar remains in intensive care]]> Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:03:19 +0200 Mart Laar is recovering from pneumonia, and continues to require intensive care.
According to the information released by the family, Mart Laar’s illness has proceeded conventionally. The pneumonia is in the recovery stage, but the patient needs to remain in intensive care. At the moment, the time of Mart Laar’s return to work cannot be predicted.

Mart Laar gives his thanks to everyone wishing him a quick recovery.

According to the procedure for the substitution of the Ministers of the Government of the Republic, the duties of the Minister of Defence are fulfilled by the Minister of Education and Research Jaak Aaviksoo.


Additional information:
Rauno Veri
Adviser to the Minister of Defence
Tel +372 717 0101
rauno.veri@kmin.ee

]]> <![CDATA[Matthew Bryza Will Head the International Centre for Defence Studies ]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:10:08 +0200 As of March 1, 2012, a veteran career diplomat and one of the key architects of NATO enlargement, Matthew J. Bryza, will become Director of the International Centre for Defence Studies (ICDS).
As the leader of ICDS, Bryza will oversee the Centre`s general management and develop the coordination and performance of academic research at the Centre. Martin Hurt who has headed ICDS since last summer will continue as a member of the Executive Board who will focus on the management of the Centre`s administrative affairs.

In January, Bryza left the US Foreign Service where his latest posting was as US Ambassador to Azerbaijan (February 2011–January 2012).

Previously, Bryza has served at the US State Department as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (June 2005–August 2009) responsible for the development and implementation of US policy on the South Caucasus, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus and at the National Security Council as Director for European and Eurasian Affairs (April 2011–June 2005) tasked with the development and coordination of US foreign policy on the South Caucasus, Central Asia, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, and Eurasian energy security, acting in close cooperation with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.

Bryza started his diplomatic career in 1989 at the US Consulate in Poland, Poznan, where he led Consulate`s contacts with the Solidarity movement. Later, he has also worked at US Embassies in Warsaw and in Moscow.

Lauri Mälksoo, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ICDS, affirms that Bryza`s appointment as the new head will definitely increase the Centre`s international clout and visibility.

]]> <![CDATA[Mart Laar’s condition has not improved]]> Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:20:57 +0200 According to his family, Mart Laar’s medical condition has not improved over the last few days.
Defence minister’s recovery is being impeded by pneumonia, the patient still needs to be in intensive care.

Minister of Defence Mart Laar was hospitalized on February 18th due to a stroke caused by high blood pressure.

Mart Laar will stay in the hospital due to the need for a continuous medical surveillance and a quiet regime. Thus, the duties of the Minister of Defence are fulfilled by the Minister of Education and Research Jaak Aaviksoo.

Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Officer
MoD Estonia
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee ]]> <![CDATA[The Government approved the Draft of the National Defence League Act ]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:29:53 +0200 Today, the Government of the Republic approved the new text of the National Defence League Act and sent it for hearing at Riigikogu. The Act regulates the activity of the National Defence League and provides its members with clearer rights and securities.
The new Act will not change the essence of the National Defence League; it will continue to be a voluntary and armed national defence organisation that forms a protective cover all over Estonia.

However, compared to the previous National Defence League Act that was adopted in 1999, society, Estonian judicial area and the National Defence League itself have changed. Therefore, Members of the National Defence League will get a new and fresh Act that clearly establishes their commitments, rights and social guarantees.

The new National Defence League Act establishes the tasks of the National Defence League, which are military protection of the country, increasing the will for defence and people’s safety, carrying out military training, guarding national defence objects and participating in rescue missions and cyber defence.

The new Act also sets the social guarantees for the Members of the National Defence League in case of an injury in the line of duty, whereat the guarantees are equal to the ones of the regular members of the Defence Forces. To date, the social guarantees of the Members of the National Defence League had to be looked for from both the Defence Forces Service Act and the National Defence League Act.

The new National Defence League Act grants each active member of the National Defence League a possibility of having ten days a year off from work for participating in the trainings of the National Defence League. To date, it was only possible for the Members of the National Defence League who held a state office, which was unfair towards the Members working in the private sector.

The new Act also regulates the lines of command at the National Defence League and establishes the special organisations – Woman's Home Defence, the Young Eagles and the Home Daughters – as a part of the National Defence League more clearly.

The new National Defence League Act was prepared by a broad-based work group that consisted of the representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the National Defence League and the Defence Forces. The project of this draft was also introduced in 2011 in all National Defence League units, receiving feedback on how to improve the Act.

]]> <![CDATA[Ministry of Defence to confer awards on the authors of the best defence research works.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:35:41 +0200 Today, the winners of the defence research contest will be presented with awards at a festive ceremony at the Ministry of Defence.
The objective of the public contest for Master’s and Doctoral theses is to promote defence related research and development activities, recognise the authors of the best defence research works and to motivate young researchers to carry out research activities in areas of importance to the defence and security sector.

The Research Council selected the three best works in the category of Doctoral and Master’s theses, recognising the following works to be the best in 2011:

In the category of Doctoral theses
1st award of EUR 3000 – Captain Merle Parmak “Should all Soldiers be Sensation Seekers? The role of Personality in the Context of Operational Deployments”
2nd award of EUR 2000 – Andrus Seiman “Point-of-care analyser based on capillary electrophoresis”
3rd award of EUR 1500 – Veljo Sinivee “Portable spectrometer for ionizing radiation "Gammamapper”

In the category of Master’s theses
1st award of EUR 2000 – Eeva-Gerda Kobrin “Development of Sampling and Extraction Procedures for On-Site Analysis of Nerve Agent Degradation Products by Portable CE Instrument”
2nd award of EUR 1500 – Marit Mätik “The Development Options and Directions for the Transportation Training Section of the Logistics School of Logistics Battalion of the Logistics Centre of Estonian Defence Forces”
3rd award of EUR 1000 – Rasmus Raag “Telemetry System for a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle”

According to Mikk Marran, Permanent Secretary of Defence of the Estonian Ministry of Defence, it is very important to encourage young researchers to examine the defence sector and thereby contribute to the development of national defence. “I am delighted that some of today’s awarded works have been implemented in the Defence Forces as well as in the National Defence League,” said Marran.

The contest for defence research works was held for the first time and subsequently will be held each year. The contest accepted Master’s or Doctoral theses that have been defended successfully in the time period of 2009–2011 and the theme of which was related to a research area of importance to the national defence and security sector. Six Doctoral theses and 14 Master’s theses were presented to the contest. The works were evaluated by the Research Council of the Ministry of Defence.

The awards will be conferred at a festive ceremony dedicated to the 94th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, to be held at the Ministry of Defence today



Further information:
Linda Raska
Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Defence
Tel 717 0078
linda.raska@kmin.ee

]]> <![CDATA[U.S. General and former UK Secretary of State for Defence awarded the highest honorary decoration of the Ministry of Defence ]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:42:15 +0200 Today, at the festive ceremony to celebrate the 94th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mikk Marran presented the honorary decorations of the Ministry of Defence for productive activity in the national defence of the Republic of Estonia.
The highest honorary decoration of the Ministry of Defence, the First Class of the Cross of Merit, was given to General Mark A. Welsh, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and the former Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, Dr. Liam Fox, for their contribution in achieving indefinite Baltic air-policing.

The Third Class of the Cross of Merit was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Martin Herem, Head of the Northeast Defence District, for his long-term professional activity in supporting the national defence of the Republic of Estonia. The Third Class of the Cross of Merit was also awarded to Katri Raudsepp, Deputy Director of the Procurement Department at the Ministry of Defence, as recognition for her long-term contribution in developing the field of defence procurement.

The Ministry of Defence Distinguished Service Decoration (gold, silver) was also awarded to several diplomats, local government figures, officials of the Ministry of Defence, Members of the Defence Forces, Members of the National Defence League, employees at the Defence Resources Office, as well as members of medical committees, and co-operation partners.

Several officials of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, and Members of the Defence Forces, were also presented with a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Defence for their contribution in achieving an indefinite air-policing solution.

The Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence was instituted on 24 February 1999 as an order that is comprised of three classes. The first class of the order is awarded for special services in the defence of the Republic of Estonia or for development and consolidation of Estonia’s national defence structures.

In 2004, the highest decoration of the Ministry of Defence was also bestowed on President Lennart Meri, Siim Kallas, Mart Laar, Jüri Luik, and Margus Kolga for their devoted contribution in the process of Estonia’s integration into NATO. In 2005, the first class of the Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence was awarded to Brigadier General Märt Tiru, in 2007 to Jürgen Ligi, former Minister of Defence, in 2009 to Lieutenant General Johannes Kert, in 2010 to Martin Hurt, Undersecretary for Defence Investments at the time, and in 2011 to General Ants Laaneots and Commander Senior Grade Lauri Tumm, Undersecretary for Defence Planning at the time. This award was also bestowed posthumously on former Minister of Defence Ülo Uluots.


Additional information:
Aari Lemmik
Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Defence
Tel 717 0155 / 50 60 224
aari.lemmik@kmin.ee

]]> <![CDATA[Defence Minister Mart Laar is recovering from a stroke]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:07:13 +0200 Minister of Defence Mart Laar was hospitalized yesterday evening due to a stroke caused by high blood pressure.
Mart Laar’s condition is stable, he is under medical care and is in contact with his family.

Mart Laar will stay in the hospital due to the need for a continuous medical surveillance and a quiet regime. Thus, the duties of the Minister of Defence are fulfilled by the Minister of Education and Research Jaak Aaviksoo.

Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Officer
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88]]> <![CDATA[MoD procured AA-weapons from Finland]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:04:59 +0200

The Ministry of Defence procured from Finland a limited number of additional launchers, training and maintenance devices and spare parts for the Mistral SHORAD-system, as well as 23mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannons to be installed on Navy vessels.

The additional launchers and spare parts for Mistral-system arrived in Estonia this week; the 23mm anti-aircraft cannons were delivered in the summer of 2011.

The 23mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft cannons, purchased from Finland, are also used by the air defence units of the Estonian Army. The cannons, purchased from Finland, are installed on special vessel platforms, which also allows for their use against surface targets as well as air targets. The procured cannons will be installed on the vessels of the Estonian Navy.

In addition, a limited quantity launchers, training and target-finding simulators, testing equipment and various special tools and spare parts for the Mistral SHORAD-system were acquired from Finland.

The equipment will be used to complement the Mistral SHORAD-system, purchased back in 2007, and it will reduce the training and life cycle costs of the existing system.

According to Ingvar Pärnamäe, Undersecretary for Defence Investments of the MoD, the procurement concluded with Finland is a reasonable compromise between the high-quality equipment needed by the Defence Forces and a price that is affordable to Estonian taxpayers.

“Procuring additional launchers, training and testing equipment for the Mistral-system serves as a good example of how easy and affordable it is to procure additional equipment after the basic capabilities have been developed for a rather large amount of money. We have conducted similar small procurements to complement the SHORAD system before; last year, we purchased additional launchers and vehicles from Belgium,” explained Pärnamäe.

The weapons and equipment purchased from Finland were used by the Finnish Navy and were removed from their use in connection with the structural changes being introduced in the Navy. The contract also included the adjustment and maintenance of the equipment in Finland.

The total cost of the equipment was EUR 283,050; the exact number of weapons and equipment is confidential under the procurement contract.


Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Officer
Ministry of Defence
Tel: +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee

]]> <![CDATA[NATO fighters to guard Baltic air space for a long term period]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:05:59 +0200 The North Atlantic Council that convened in Brussels today decided to extend the Air Policing operation of the Baltic States for a long term period.
According to the decision, the fighters of the NATO member states will defend the Baltic air space on a long-term basis and no final deadline of the operation has been set. Similarly to the procedure that has been effective since 2004, the fighter planes will continue to be stationed in Baltic states' air force bases.

According to the Defence Minister Mart Laar, it’s difficult to over estimate NATO's decision. “ In cooperation with our Allies Estonia has increased considerably its security as well as the overall security of the Baltic Sea region. The decision clearly strengthens credible deterrence of the region" said Defence Minister Laar.

According to Mr Laar, today's decision means that Estonia would not need to develop, from scratch, an expensive and complex fighter capability. “Instead we are able to focus on the development of capabilities which are more needed, affordable and essential for Estonia and the Alliance’s in and out of area operations in general. However, for the Estonian people NATO’s Air Policing operation is a clear sign of NATO’s presence in Estonia. ” said Laar.

“ I would like to thank all those officials, diplomats and officers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania whose hard work and efforts resulted in this decision,” said the Defence Minister .

However, the decision does not mean that the Baltic states could sit just idly by. “We have to ensure that allied fighters will continue to have appropriate Host Nation Support, proper air bases as well as good opportunities for training. For Estonia this means primarily the development of the Ämari air base,“ said Defence Minister Laar.

NATO’s fighters have protected Baltic air space since April 2004. Currently the fighters are stationed in the Šiauliai air base in Lithuania. Currently the Baltic air space is protected by Germany.

 
Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press representative of the Minister of Defence
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee
]]> <![CDATA[The future of Afghanistan discussed at the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers ]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:36:35 +0200 The Minister of Defence Mart Laar participated in a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels, where the main topic of discussion was the matters related to the future of the Afghan operation and smart defence.
At the meeting, all allies expressed their readiness to support the Afghan security forces in performing combat missions until the end of 2014. In addition, the majority of countries participating in the International Security Aid Force ISAF promised to make monetary contributions to the support fund of the Afghan security forces on a long-term basis.
 
The situation in Kosovo was also discussed at the meeting. “The parties agreed that although the security situation there is stable, it is also tense, therefore the allied forces cannot reduce their troops any more there in the near future,” the Minister of Defence Laar said.
 
The other topic discussed was the smart defence concept and it was agreed that by the NATO summit in Chicago, potential joint capacity building projects which will be developed in co-operation should be selected. In addition, the meeting of defence ministers also provided an overview of the reform of NATO military management structure and the NATO agencies.
 
Yesterday evening, the Baltic ministers of defence also met the U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, with whom they discussed the defence cooperation between the USA and Baltic countries, and the forthcoming Chicago summit.
 
“The Minister of Defence Panetta confirmed USA’s continuous dedication to ensuring security of the Baltic countries. The USA also supports changing of Baltic air defence into a long-term one,” Laar said.
 
The Minister of Defence was accompanied in Brussels by Chief of the Defence Forces Brigadier General Riho Terras and Undersecretary for Defence Policy Jonatan Vseviov.
 
On Saturday, Laar and Brigadier General Terras will participate in a security conference in Munich.
 
 
Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Representative of the Ministry of Defence
Phone +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee
 
 
]]> <![CDATA[Estonia and Finland entered into a framework agreement on defence cooperation ]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:22:35 +0200 Today in Brussels, Minister of Defence Mart Laar signed a framework document on defence cooperation between Estonia and Finland with his colleague Stefan Wallin, setting the main areas of defence cooperation for the years 2012−2015.According to Minister of Defence Laar, more thorough defence cooperation between Estonia and Finland benefits further increase of safety in the Baltic Sea region. ”Exchanging information and experience with our northern neighbours also enhances implementation of the concept of smart defence not only in NATO, but also between NATO and the partner countries,” Laar said.
 
The framework document that was signed today sets out the main objectives and areas of defence cooperation between Estonia and Finland for the next four years. Under this agreement, current exchange of information will continue on the security situation at the Baltic Sea, defence planning, development of military capabilities, defence-related research and development, and cyber protection.
 
Cooperation will also continue in the fields of education and training of members of the Defence Forces, as well as the EU Battlegroups and NATO response forces.
 
Today and tomorrow, Minister of Defence Laar will participate in the meeting of NATO ministers of defence in Brussels. In addition to the meeting of the ministers of defence of the Alliance, a meeting of the Nordic Group ministers of defence was also held in Brussels today, in which the ministers of the Baltic countries, Nordic countries, Great Britain, Netherlands, Germany and Poland discussed further development of defence cooperation between the countries.
 
Laar also met the Bulgarian Minister of Defence Anu Anguelov today to discuss matters related to cyber defence.
 
The Minister of Defence is accompanied in Brussels by the Chief of the Defence Forces Brigadier General Riho Terras and Acting Undersecretary for Defence Policy Jonatan Vseviov.
 
On Saturday, Minister of Defence Laar and Brigadier General Terras will participate in the Munich Security Conference.
 
Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press representative of the Ministry of Defence
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee
 
 
]]> <![CDATA[The Minister of Defence Laar met his Latvian colleague ]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:04:03 +0200
Today, the Minister of Defence Mart Laar met his Latvian colleague Artis Pabriks in Riga and discussed the issues related to defence cooperation between the two countries.
The main topic of discussion was defence cooperation between Estonia and Latvia, including the joint projects like the Baltic Naval Squadron BALTRON and the Baltic Defence College.
 
Another topic discussed was the Chicago summit of NATO in spring, at which, among others, further development of the Baltic Air Defence Mission will be covered. Both Ministers of Defence said that they will go to the Chicago summit in May with relatively positive expectations.
 
”Baltic defence cooperation is a good example of the principle of smart defence, at the same time also being the only way for small countries – to do things together,” the Minister of Defence Laar said.
 
In Riga, the Minister of Defence also met Valdis Dombrovskis, the Prime Minister of Latvia, and Ainars Latkovskis, Chairman of the Sejm’s Commission on Defence. At the meetings, Mr Laar expressed his satisfaction over the principal decision of Latvia to start increasing its defence budget.
 
During the visit, the Minister of Defence Laar also gave a lecture to the students of the University of Latvia and the Riga Stradiņš University on the future and challenges of Baltic cooperation, followed by a public discussion with the Latvian Minister of Defence Pabriks.
 
 
Additional information:
Linda Raska
Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Defence
Tel +372 717 0078
linda.raska@kmin.ee
]]> <![CDATA[The Government approved the Draft of the Defence Forces Service Act ]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:40:37 +0200
Today, the Government of the Republic approved the new single text of the Defence Forces Service Act and sent it for hearing at Riigikogu. The Act regulates daily service of active soldiers, conscripts, reservists and persons in alternative service.
The new single text of the Defence Forces Service Act was prepared by a broad-based working group led by regular members of the Defence Forces, including representatives of the Ministry of Defence, all services, the National Defence League and the Defence Resources Office.
 
Under the new Defence Forces Service Act, persons not liable to service in the Defence Forces will have an opportunity to serve in the Defence Forces voluntarily. For instance, for the first time, women will get an opportunity to serve the military service voluntarily, which has not been legally provided by legislation before.
 
The new Act will also make the health requirements to Members of the Defence Forces more flexible, in order to take the particularities of different posts into better consideration. 
 
Unlike the currently used system, professional members of the Defence Forces will be employed in service for a fixed term. In the future, only the members of the Defence Forces with at least 10 years of active service experience will be employed without a term.
 
As another change, the former Disciplinary Measures in Defence Forces Act will be added to the new Defence Forces Service Act, forming a separate chapter on discipline of the Defence Forces.
 
The package of social guarantees of active soldiers will remain substantially the same in comparison with the current Defence Forces Service Act. Moreover, the new Defence Forces Service Act will provide an opportunity to ensure psychological help, social counselling and rehabilitation for family members of the members of the Defence Forces who have fallen or been injured on a foreign mission.
 
The draft and explanatory memorandum of the new Defence Forces Service Act can be accessed at the information system of the Government drafts at http://eelnoud.valitsus.ee 
 
Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press representative of the Ministry of Defence
Tel + 372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee
]]> <![CDATA[Rasmussen acknowledged Estonian contribution to NATO cyber protection]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:33:15 +0200
Tonight Minister of Defence Mart Laar and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited NATO Cyber Defence Centre where Rasmussen acknowledged Estonia’s contribution to NATO cyber capabilities.
The Secretary General emphasised the importance of cyber defence in today’s world and considered it necessary to turn serious attention to it.
 
Mart Laar assured Estonia’s commitment to cyber defence and expressed hope that most of the NATO members will join the Cyber Defence Centre in future. The Minister of Defence also expressed hope that cyber defence will become one of the main topics of the NATO summit in Chicago.
 
”The Chicago summit should present a clear message that NATO has set an objective of establishing its cyber headquarters and declares that it will take a right to protect itself from cyber-attack with any means it finds necessary,” Mr Laar stated.
 
NATO Secretary General Rasmussen visits the Baltic countries today and tomorrow. Today, he delivered a public speech at Tallinn University and met Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet. Tomorrow morning, Mr Rasmussen will meet President Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Kadriorg.
 
Additional information:
Rauno Veri
Adviser of the Minister of Defence
+37205340 8908
 
Peeter Kuimet
Press representative of the Ministry of Defence
+372 5656 4188
]]> <![CDATA[The Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence was bestowed on the U.S. attaché leaving office ]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:54:54 +0200 Today, Permanent Secretary of Defence of the Estonian Ministry of Defence Mikk Marran bestowed the third class of the Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence on U.S. Naval Attaché Commander Kip Henderson, who is leaving office, for promoting Estonian and U.S. defence co-operation.
According to Permanent Secretary Marran, the U.S. has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the Estonian Defence Forces, and Commander Henderson has effectively supported that co-operation over the last three years.
 
“Commander Henderson has helped to organise several large-scale international training exercises, high-level visits and more than ten visits by U.S. warships. This has led to a strengthening of Estonia’s relations and co-operation with our strategic partner, the United States,” said the Permanent Secretary of Defence of the Estonian Ministry of Defence.
 
Today, Marran also met with the new Naval Attaché, Commander Ronald Rios, to discuss the future of Estonian and U.S. defence co-operation.
 
Commander Henderson has served in Tallinn as Defence and Naval Attaché since November 2008 and as Naval Attaché since June 2010.
 
The Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence was established on 24 February 1998. Coming in three classes, the Cross of Merit is meant to be awarded to persons in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the national defence of the Republic of Estonia and in the construction and securing of national defence.

 
Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Officer, Ministry of Defence
Tel +372 717 0116 / +372 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee
]]> <![CDATA[Statement concerning false information published in newsportal Delfi]]> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:32:58 +0200

Regarding the article “Laar intends to recognize men who fought in German uniform officially as freedom fighters” published in the Estonian online newsportal Delfi on December 27th 2011, the Estonian Ministry of Defence would like to make the following statement.
 

The government of the Republic of Estonia has not drafted nor will it draft something as absurd as a bill that would allow for honours to be given to Nazi collaborators.

The government of Estonia has given a task to the Ministry of Defence to prepare a bill to give recognition to persons who have fought for the restoration of the independence of Estonia. The fight against Nazi and Soviet totalitarian regimes was also a part of the Estonian fight for freedom and the decision of the government to honour the struggle for the restoration of Estonian independence is a natural and unequivocal choice. A number of member states of the European Union have approved similar bills to honour their resistance fighters. The exact wording of the bill will be drafted by spring of this year.

In addition, the Estonian Ministry of Defence would like to emphasize the following.

Estonia has been terrorized by the regimes of Nazi Germany and communist Soviet Union. The Republic of Estonia has officially condemned the atrocities and crimes of Nazism and Communism and has the intention to continue this policy. Estonia is pleased to notice that the same principles have been followed in Europe. The European Parliament has decided to condemn the crimes of the Communist regime along with the crimes of the Nazi regime.

In 1939 the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany concluded the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the secret protocols of which divided Central and Eastern Europe into respective spheres of influence. The same year Germany launched the Second World War with its attack on Poland and the Soviet Union started to fulfil its role by invading Poland from the east, at the same time concentrating large forces on the borders of the three Baltic States and Finland. The Soviet Union occupied Estonia along with Latvia and Lithuania in 1940.

The Soviet occupation was followed by Estonia’s occupation by Nazi Germany in July 1941. In September 1944 Estonia was again occupied by the Soviet Union. Estonia regained its independence in 1991. For the most part Estonians were forcedly mobilised by the totalitarian regimes that occupied Estonia what is against international law. Direct human losses during the Soviet and Nazi German occupations reached 180 000, which is 17.5 per cent of the nation’s population, and 90 000 of these people were killed.]]> <![CDATA[Those who fell during the Estonian War of Independence were commemorated at the foot of the Monument to the War of Independence]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:37:12 +0200
Today at 10:30, a minute of silence was held on the occasion of the anniversary of the Estonian War of Independence Armistice, commemorating those who fell in the war for Estonia’s freedom.
On 3 January 1920 at 10:30, the armistice agreement between Estonia and Soviet Russia came into effect, marking the total victory of Estonia in the War of Independence.
 
In addition to the ceremony at the Monument to the War of Independence, units of the Estonian Defence Forces and units of the Estonian Defence League laid wreaths on monuments to the War of Independence across Estonia. The anniversary of the ceasefire was also celebrated with the sound of church bells ringing all over Estonia, with a minute of silence in radio programmes and the whistling of ships’ whistles at ports.
 
In his speech given at the ceremony, Minister of Defence Mart Laar emphasised that without the victory in the War of Independence, Estonians would not be living in their own country and probably would not be speaking Estonian, either. “Estonia has not won many wars, but we did manage to win this one, the most important one”, said Minister of Defence Laar.
 
In his speech, Henri Rästas, student of Tallinna Reaalkool (Tallinn Secondary Science School), commemorated schoolboys who fell in combat. “Today, just like at the time of the War of Independence, protecting our country is not the duty of the chosen few, but of the entire nation,” said Rästas.
 
In addition, Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Andres Põder led prayers at the ceremony.
 
The Estonian War of Independence, lasting from 28 November 1918 until 3 January 1920, ended with total victory by Estonia. In the War of Independence, Estonia lost more than 6000 people in combat, with approximately 14,000 wounded. Side by side with Estonians, German, Russian, Finnish, Danish, Jewish, Swedish, British, French and American soldiers also fought in the War of Independence, for the independence of Estonia.

Gallery of the ceremony »

Additional information:
Linda Raska
Chief Expert of the Public Affairs Department of the Ministry of Defence
Phone +372 7170078
linda.raska@kmin.ee

 
]]> <![CDATA[Anniversary of War of Independence Armistice celebrated tomorrw]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:55:53 +0200
On 3 January, at 10.30, a moment of silence will take place to celebrate the anniversary of the War of Independence Armistice and commemorate those who fell in the war for Estonia’s freedom.
On 3 January 1920, at 10.30, the armistice agreement between Estonia and the Soviet Russia, marking the total victory of Estonia in the War of Independence, came into effect.
 
The anniversary of the Armistice will be celebrated with a ceremony tomorrow, at 10.30, at the War of Independence Victory Column, where Minister of Defence Mart Laar and Henri Rästas, student of Tallinn Secondary Science School, will give speeches and Andres Põder, Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, will lead prayers.
 
The anniversary of the Armistice will also be celebrated with the tolling of church bells across Estonia, a moment of silence on radio programmes and the blowing of ship’s horns in ports. Units of the Defence Forces and units of the National Defence League will place wreaths on monuments to the War of Independence across Estonia.

The War of Independence, lasting from 28 November 1918 to 3 January 1920, ended with total victory by Estonia. According to the data of the Union of Estonian War Graves Care, during the course of the War of Independence – until 1 March 1920 – a total of 6127 Estonian soldiers were killed in action, or died due to wounds or diseases, and 689 people were the victims of red terror.


Additional information:
Linda Raska
Chief Expert
Estonian MOD
Tel +372 7170078
]]> <![CDATA[Anniversary of War of Independence Armistice celebrated on 3 January ]]> Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:56:50 +0200 On 3 January, at 10.30, a moment of silence will take place to celebrate the anniversary of the War of Independence Armistice and commemorate those who fell in the war for Estonia’s freedom.
On 3 January 1920, at 10.30, the armistice agreement between Estonia and the Soviet Russia, marking the total victory of Estonia in the War of Independence, came into effect.
 
The anniversary of the Armistice will be celebrated with a ceremony on tuesday 3 January, at 10.30, at the War of Independence Victory Column, where Minister of Defence Mart Laar and Henri Rästas, student of Tallinn Secondary Science School, will give speeches and Andres Põder, Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, will lead prayers.
 
The anniversary of the Armistice will also be celebrated with the tolling of church bells across Estonia, a moment of silence on radio programmes and the blowing of ship’s horns in ports. Units of the Defence Forces and units of the National Defence League will place wreaths on monuments to the War of Independence across Estonia.

The War of Independence, lasting from 28 November 1918 to 3 January 1920, ended with total victory by Estonia. According to the data of the Union of Estonian War Graves Care, during the course of the War of Independence – until 1 March 1920 – a total of 6127 Estonian soldiers were killed in action, or died due to wounds or diseases, and 689 people were the victims of red terror.


Additional information:
Linda Raska
Chief Expert
Estonian MOD
Tel +372 7170078

]]> <![CDATA[The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Forces of Estonia celebrated Christmas together ]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:41:29 +0200 At a joint Christmas ceremony, the Ministry of Defence, General Staff of the Defence Forces and the service staffs looked back on the ending year and celebrated Christmas with the children from Pärnu Children’s Village.At the ceremony Christmas carols were sung by the children of the children's village and the conscripts of the Defence Forces’ orchestra and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Mikk Marran gave the children of Pärnu Children’s Village Christmas presents from the Ministry and the General Staff.
 
The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Forces have been supporting the children of Pärnu Children’s Village through common events since 2008. As in previous years the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff held a common Christmas fair this year, where handicraft products made by the children of the village were sold for charity purposes. The children have also visited the training exercise Spring Storm of the Defence Forces and the dedication ceremony for the War of Independence Victory Column.
 
Secretary General Marran said that in many ways this working year coming to an end had been a year of major changes for the Ministry of Defence. “The Minister, Secretary General, three deputy secretary generals, also the Chief of the Defence Forces and the Chief of the General Staff changed. Amendments to the Constitution concerning national defence came into force and we started to develop the 10-year development plan of national defence,” said Secretary General Marran.
 
During the ceremony, Chief of the General Staff Colonel Peeter Hoppe said that co-operation between the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff has continued to improve over the last five years. “But this is natural, because our common goal is that Estonia is better protected today than it was yesterday,” said Colonel Hoppe.
]]> <![CDATA[NATO Deputy Secretary General acknowledged Estonian national defence ]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:24:49 +0200 Yesterday evening, Minister of Defence Mart Laar met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Claudio Bisogniero, who was visiting Estonia and acknowledged the contribution of the members of the Estonian Defence Forces in foreign missions and the decision of Estonia to increase the defence budget to 2% of gross domestic product. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has appointed Deputy Secretary General Bisogniero as the special envoy on smart defence issues. In Estonia, Bisogniero explained the concept of smart defence and discussed the possible smart defence-related projects to which Estonia could contribute.
 
According to Bisogniero, the current NATO air policing mission of the Baltic States is a great example of smart defence and he expressed hope that this mission will be made permanent in the near future.
 
Minister of Defence Laar noted that, in fact, the concept of smart defence is nothing new for Estonia. “During the past 15 years, in the development of our national defence, we have continuously found joint cooperation projects with other countries, as it has offered necessary solutions for less money, be it the Baltic Defence College, cooperation between the navies of the Baltic States or the contribution to the NATO Response Force with joint units”, said Laar.
 
“At the same time, I and Deputy Secretary General Bisogniero agreed that smart defence does not mean that one can start to invest less in national defence – all military capabilities still require proper investments,” added the Minister of Defence.
 
In addition, Deputy Secretary General Bisogniero acknowledged the significant contribution of the members of the Estonian Defence Forces in foreign missions and set Estonia as an example to other NATO member states for its determined decision to contribute 2% of the gross domestic product to national defence starting from 2012.

“When it comes to the budget increase, it is also important how this 2% will be used – the defence budget must, first and foremost, be directed at the enhancement of real combat power and smart solutions,” said Minister of Defence Laar.

At the meeting, the issues related to NATO’s Chicago summit, taking place in spring, as well as NATO-Russia relations, were also discussed.

Yesterday evening, the Deputy Secretary General also met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mikk Maran and gave a speech at the International Centre for Defence Studies.

Additional information:
Peeter Kuimet
Press Officer, Ministry of Defence
Phone 717 0116 / 56 56 41 88
peeter.kuimet@kmin.ee

 
]]>