In order for Estonia alone to withstand Russia's attack for a long time, it is necessary to increase defense spending to 6.5% of GDP.
This statement was made by the commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, Major General Martin Herem, on the radio station Vikerraadio. However, according to his own words, Estonia will not be able to achieve this under any circumstances, writes err.ee.
According to Herem, to repel a military attack on Estonia, long-range artillery, a medium-range air defense system, a defensive navy, as well as an additional six brigades to the ground defense forces will be required. In addition, it requires the ability to mobilize all of this within a few days.
Now, according to Herem, the most important thing is to maintain the combat readiness of the existing units. "Secondly, units must be protected, armored vehicles and vehicles must be in good condition, but communication and surveillance facilities are also needed. Car maintenance alone costs 30 million euros a year, " the Estonian military commander said. According to Herem, the main goal of the Defense Forces is "deterrence".
"An attack on Estonia should be unacceptably expensive," the Defense Force commander said.
"The biggest threat is still Russia. The eastern neighbor has shown that, under favorable conditions, it is ready to use military force to achieve its goals, for example, in Georgia and Ukraine. And it is clear that Russia's weapons are disproportionately large, " added Martin Herem. He has repeatedly made statements that Russia is the main potential enemy of Estonia.
At the moment, Estonia has a "Plan for the development of the Defense Forces for 2017-2026". The new development plan is designed for 2021-2023. It should be noted that every four years, the Estonian Ministry of Defense prepares a development plan, which makes decisions on actions in the subordinate area and their financing. This, in turn, is included in the annual draft of the defense budget.
According to Herem, the goals that were fulfilled according to the development plan and are still being fulfilled are to have two combat-ready infantry brigades. "The first is already combat-ready, the second brigade will be prepared in the next two years. As early as next year, the fruits of the efforts will be visible. The Air Force's target is two aircraft already in service for naval reconnaissance. Ground protection equipment has been significantly improved, " Herem explained.
Starting next summer, six K9 self-propelled artillery units will be allocated for training conscripts, the first of which will appear in service with the Estonian army next year. Soldiers are being trained in the use of Eurospike grenade launchers, and next year they will be in service with units of both brigades.
According to Herem, " naval military units are ready for all tasks related to the search and destruction of mines, maritime surveillance, and communication systems are being developed." Also, as he added, " the special operations command is fully prepared."