Tallinn. September 23. INTERFAX-Estonia's defense budget for 2022 will amount to a record 748 million euros or 2.31% of the projected gross domestic product of the republic, Defense Minister Kalle Laanet said.
Defense spending will increase by 103 million euros, the press service of the Ministry of Defense reported his words.
"I am glad that with a budget increase of 103 million euros, we can send a convincing signal to both our allies and the potential aggressor that Estonia takes its security very seriously and is ready to contribute to it," Laanet said.
The defense budget includes spending on NATO allies based in Estonia, a defense investment program and the development of new capabilities.
The Ministry of Defense plans to sign a contract for the purchase of anti-ship missiles for 46 million vro. In addition, large - caliber ammunition will be purchased for 25 million euros, and wheeled vehicles will be purchased for the same amount. In addition, self-propelled artillery installations will be purchased for 15 million euros. 36 million will be spent on completing the training of CV-90 armored personnel carriers.