Estonia Explores Domestic Drone Production to Boost Defense

The Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) are considering producing state-ordered attack drones domestically to replace expensive anti-tank missiles currently produced abroad. Gen. Martin Herem, head of the EDF, suggested that domestically-produced drones could perform similar tasks at a lower cost, potentially strengthening Estonia's defense industry, economy, and defense capabilities.

Why this matters: Estonia's move to produce domestic drones could set a precedent for other countries to invest in their own defense industries, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing regional security. This development could also have implications for the global drone market, as Estonia explores the potential for exporting its drones to other countries.

Gen. Herem explained that an anti-tank missile that can fly five kilometers away and around a corner costs more than €100,000, while a drone that carries a two-kilogram charge five kilometers away costs around €2,000. This means that 50 drones could be built for the same money as one missile. To fund the production of such drones, Gen. Herem suggested taking out a loan, which would not only be an investment in Estonia's defense forces but also in its defense industry and economy.

Arno Vaik, CEO of Threod Systems, a company that has already produced spy drones in Estonia, stated that producing attack drones would also be possible in Estonia. Vaik estimated that the initial investment from the Estonian state could be in the range of €10 million to €5-15 million, which could kick-start the country's defense industry with drones potentially being sold abroad in the future.

The consideration of producing attack drones comes amid an increasingly heated confrontation with Moscow following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. NATO is currently conducting its largest military exercises since the end of the Cold War, with over 90,000 troops from 32 member states participating in Exercise Steadfast Defender. The exercises, including Swift Response, are taking place in locations such as Estonia, Sweden, Poland, North Macedonia, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova.

Brigadier Giles Harris, commander of British forces in the Baltic, emphasized the urgency and importance of being ready: "It's very urgent. I'm not going to second-guess what may or may not happen, but as military personnel, our job is to be ready. There is no point in waiting to be ready; we should get ready now." The exercises focus on preparing for a potential conflict with Russia, with an emphasis on using drones, cyberwarfare, and countering mass advances like those used by Russian forces in battles like Bakhmut in the Donbas.

Gen. Herem stressed that while anti-tank missiles have advantages like being self-guiding after firing, drones require an operator who can be a target for a longer period. However, producing drones cost-effectively in Estonia could provide a triple benefit: the interest income would stay in Estonia, the borrowed money would stay in Estonia, and Estonia's defense capabilities would develop. As the country explores this possibility, it could mark a significant step forward in strengthening its defense industry, economy, and overall security in the face of growing regional tensions.

Key Takeaways

• Estonia considers producing domestic attack drones to replace expensive foreign anti-tank missiles.
• Domestic drones could perform similar tasks at a lower cost, strengthening Estonia's defense industry and economy.
• 50 drones could be built for the same cost as one anti-tank missile, making them a cost-effective option.
• Estonia's move could set a precedent for other countries to invest in their own defense industries, enhancing regional security.
• The development could also have implications for the global drone market, with potential for exporting Estonian-made drones.