Estonia is seriously considering creating an anti-missile shield against Russian ballistic threats. Ukraine intercepts these missiles using the American Patriot system. However, Tallinn’s choice may fall on a different system, Defense Express reports.
The country plans to make a decision in the spring on the purchase of complexes capable of intercepting Iskander-M or Kinzhal missiles. Russia can destroy large targets with such missiles: warehouses, bases, stations, and civilian objects.
It's likely that Israel’s “David’s Sling” will become Estonia’s favorite. Other options include the already mentioned Patriot and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T complex. One SAMP/T battery with a certain missile stockpile could cost approximately half a billion euros.
When will Estonia plan to receive the first complexes?
According to preliminary plans, the country expects to receive the first systems no earlier than the early 2030s.
The Defense Ministry is considering several budget scenarios: “minimal” – hundreds of millions of euros, “maximum” – over 1 billion euros.
If the last option is implemented, this would become the largest defense contract in Estonia’s history in the field of air and missile defense.
Why "David's Sling" and SAMP/T currently seem more optimal options than Patriot
According to the experts, these complexes have more realistic delivery timelines and deployment speed, while Patriot currently lags in readiness.
At the same time, all plans remain preliminary, and the final decision will be made only in the spring.
