TSAMTO, October 4. The defense expenditures approved by the government in the Estonian state budget for 2022 will increase to 748 million euros (an increase of 103 million euros), which is 2.31% of the projected GDP.
According to a press release from the Estonian Defense Ministry, Defense Minister Kalle Laanet stated that "thanks to economic growth and political consensus, the largest defense budget in the country's history guarantees faster filling of existing gaps in combat capabilities, which will strengthen Estonia's security."
The new defense budget includes expenditures related to allied commitments, the defense investment program and the development of new capabilities of the armed forces.
In addition to funding from the state budget, significant amounts have been saved due to defense reforms, which will be redirected to the development of combat potential. In the coming years, it is planned to continue personnel reform while combining repair and maintenance services for equipment, as well as improving logistics. The reforms will help to create more realistically equipped combat-ready units.
Regarding the acquisition of new military equipment, it is stated that it is planned to purchase multiple launch rocket systems. An agreement worth 46 million euros for the purchase of anti-ship missiles will be signed soon. In addition, 25 million euros will be allocated for the purchase of large-caliber ammunition and the same amount for the purchase of wheeled vehicles. In 2022, self-propelled artillery units will be purchased in the amount of 15 million euros and the delivery of half of the ordered CV-90 BBM will be completed (the total cost of the project is 36 million euros), a new headquarters of the country's Defense Forces will be built.
It is noted that a lot of work has been done this year to update the long-term plan for financing the defense sector for subsequent years. The new "National Defense Development Plan for 2022-2031" is scheduled to be approved in October.