The Armed Forces (Defense Army) of Estonia are built on the principle of common defense. The Minister of Defense and the department headed by him are responsible for organizing national defense in the Republic of Estonia. In peacetime, the Estonian armed forces and paramilitary voluntary organizations are led by the Commander of the Defense Army; in wartime, by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the President.
The governing body of the Estonian Defense Forces is Main Headquarters. He is involved in the operational management, training and development of the armed forces (AF).
It should be noted that Estonia is the only country among the Baltic states, where there is conscription for compulsory military service. Only male citizens aged 18 to 28 who do not have deferments from service are subject to conscription. There are two types of conscription: autumn - for eight months and spring - for 11 months (for military personnel intended for positions of rare specialists and junior commanders).
In peacetime, the Estonian armed forces number about 5,500 people, of which 2,000 are military personnel conscript service. In the event of crisis situations, about 16 thousand more trained reserve personnel will be called up into the ranks of the defense army in the shortest possible time. There are also defense union squads in the country (voluntary territorial paramilitary units), which, together with the Estonian Armed Forces, are part of the Estonian Defense Forces. These squads are capable of recruiting about 10 thousand more people into the Estonian army.
The Estonian Defense Forces consists of ground forces, Air Force, Navy, volunteer territorial defense forces, logistics units, units and units of central subordination, as well as from special operations forces.
The Estonian Armed Forces are well funded - 1.9 percent of the country's GDP, which is about $5 billion. According to this indicator, the country occupies a leading place in the Baltics: Latvia - 1.2 percent, Lithuania - 0.9 percent (according to 2010 data). Thanks to good funding, the units of the Estonian army are sufficiently equipped with modern weapons and equipment, especially all-terrain vehicles and artillery.
The entire country is divided into four military regions. The deployment of units in the districts is uneven - most of the forces and assets of the troops are located in northwestern regions countries bordering Russian Federation.
The main military unit of the Estonian ground forces is the 1st Infantry Brigade.
The core of the formation is a reconnaissance battalion, which would be more correctly classified as infantry, with wheeled all-terrain vehicles at its disposal. Only professional military personnel serve here. The second battalion is infantry. The peculiarity of this unit is that it is formed according to mixed type: from professional military personnel and conscripts. The third battalion is a logistics or rear battalion. In the near future, it is planned to additionally form in the 1st Infantry Brigade reconnaissance company, an anti-tank company and several other units.
A significant number of Estonian ground forces are concentrated in Tapa. Currently, the 1st artillery battalion, an engineering battalion, an air defense battalion and the central training ground control are stationed there.
An artillery battalion consists of two batteries and an artillery training center. In each battery, in case of mobilization announcement, weapons are stored for the formation of two more similar units.
The leadership of the Estonian Armed Forces was one of the first to post-Soviet space began creating its own air defense system. In 1992, a separate air defense radio engineering division was formed within the Air Force, which included an air defense company. The company was armed with 23 mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. In 1997, the company was transferred to the ground forces. As a result, an air defense battalion was formed.
The Army has two additional infantry battalions that are not part of the 1st Infantry Brigade. These battalions are subordinate to the leadership of the northeastern military district and are deployed near the state border with the Russian Federation. In addition, the ground forces include a headquarters and communications battalion, as well as guards battalion, which performs representational and protocol functions. The main task of this battalion in wartime is the protection and defense of the capital - Tallinn.
The fleet of armored vehicles of the Estonian Armed Forces is very diverse. In addition to the old Soviet-made BTR-60, BTR-70 and BRDM-2, new modifications of the BTR-80 have appeared in ground forces units. The fleet of armored vehicles is constantly updated. Thus, in 2008, the Finnish Armed Forces transferred 60 XA-180 Pasi wheeled armored personnel carriers to Estonia. Seven Mamba Alvis-4 armored personnel carriers were purchased in South Africa. The Estonian Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement with the Netherlands for the supply of 81 XA-188 armored personnel carriers by 2015.
The Estonian Armed Forces do not have their own heavy armored equipment, in particular tanks. However, the media are increasingly discussing the plans of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense to purchase a significant number of tanks, up to 50 units. The most likely suppliers are Germany and France. Besides, in Lately The possibility of purchasing Soviet-made T-72 tanks in Finland has not been ruled out.
To carry out reconnaissance missions during peacekeeping missions and operations, the Estonian Armed Forces received several RQ-11 Raven reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles from the United States. To use unmanned aerial vehicles, Estonian Armed Forces personnel received appropriate training in America. In addition to the UAVs, the United States donated 80 units of 81 mm M252 mortars. Their market value is estimated at $8.5 million.
As for the Air Force, it has developed rather slowly since Estonia gained independence. A significant breakthrough in the development of military aviation has been noticed only in the last few years.
The airspace surveillance and control service includes four radar posts. Special attention is given to the post in Kelavera, which is located near the border with the Russian Federation. The American-made AN/FPS-117 three-dimensional radar is located here. Vera-E radars manufactured in the Czech Republic are installed at other posts. The Estonian airspace surveillance system is integrated into the Baltnet system, a common system for the Baltic countries. The control center of this system is located in Karmelava (Lithuania). In 2009, Estonia and Finland began a project to create joint system airspace surveillance and control. According to this project, it was decided to supply two mobile three-dimensional medium-range radars Ground Master 403 to Estonia (detection range 470 km, detection altitude up to 30 km). The total cost of the project is 265 million US dollars, of which Estonia's contribution is 33 million.
The air base includes two squadrons - a transport squadron (two An-2 light transport aircraft) and a helicopter squadron (four American-made Robinson R44 light helicopters).
The Polish-made PZL-104 Wilga aircraft is used to train and train Estonian military pilots. In addition, the country's aviation is armed with two L-39C Albatros jet training aircraft. Much attention The Air Force command is focusing on the development and modernization of the air base. In 2010, the airfield runway, lighting, air navigation systems, and buildings were modernized, and construction of fuel storage facilities for aircraft began. It is planned to use the airbase airfield as a reserve for NATO air force aircraft performing the function of patrolling the airspace of the Baltic countries. The leadership of the military department does not hide plans to make the Ämari airbase the main base for NATO aviation in the Baltic countries in the near future, thereby replacing the Lithuanian Zokniai airbase.
The country's Navy is responsible for all maritime operations in Estonia's territorial waters. The main functions of the naval forces are the preparation and organization of the protection of territorial waters and coastlines, ensuring the safety of maritime navigation, communications and maritime transport in territorial waters together with the NATO Navy and other friendly countries. There are less than 400 military personnel serving in the Estonian Navy.
The flagship of the Navy is the command and support ship Admiral Pitka, which was transferred by Denmark in 2000. The ship is armed with a 76 mm caliber gun.
In addition, the fleet includes three minesweepers, which were built in 1989–1992, as well as a ship designed to carry out underwater work and support it.
The Estonian Volunteer Forces, or Defense League (“Kaitseliit”), is a voluntary paramilitary force. This organization operates throughout the country. Total number Defense Union - about 10 thousand people.
The Defense League consists of 15 districts - one district in each region of the country, with the exception of the Lian region, where two districts are located, and the city of Tallinn, which has its own separate district. In Estonia, as in Latvia, there are separate student divisions.
A distinctive feature of the Estonian volunteer forces is that the structure of the districts is arbitrary and rather complex.
The Defense League is armed with anti-tank guns, small arms, mortars, and various modifications of armored personnel carriers.
Three auxiliary organizations are subordinate to the Defense Union. This is the "Women's Home Defense" (Naiskodukaitse), which consists only of women. The objectives of the organization are to support the Estonian Defense League in matters of national defense, medical and logistics services. The second organization subordinate to the Estonian Defense Union is “Eaglets” (Noored kotkad). It is a voluntary organization made up of Boy Scouts. The objectives of the organization are to educate and train young people - citizens of Estonia aged 8 to 18 years. The girls of the organization “Daughters of the Motherland” (Kodutütred) are also involved in protecting the country, who subsequently become members of the “Women’s Home Defense”. The main goals pursued by these organizations are patriotic education citizens of their country.
Officer training is carried out by the National Defense College in Tartu. The duration of the basic training course is three years. The college also offers various advanced training courses.
Since Estonia joined NATO, the country's military personnel have been actively participating in peacekeeping missions. Today, 160 soldiers and officers of the Estonian Armed Forces are part of the international security forces in Afghanistan.
Prepared by Sergey Batraev, [email protected]
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Issue No. 36
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The history of the armed forces of the three Baltic republics, as well as the history of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, has much in common. Period of independence between the two world wars, annexation to the USSR, German occupation, re-incorporation Soviet Union, declaration of independence in the early 1990s. All of these small states have rather weak armed forces and prefer to rely on their NATO allies.
Latvia
The Latvian National Armed Forces can be considered the heirs of the armed forces that existed before 1940 and included four ground divisions, a technical division, the Navy and various auxiliary units. After Latvia was included in the USSR, units of the Latvian army were transformed into the 24th Latvian rifle corps The Red Army, which was operationally subordinate to the 27th Army. In August 1991, a law was passed in Latvia on the creation of the first paramilitary force, the National Guard, and after Latvia declared independence, the government began creating the armed forces.
Since 1994, Latvia has actively participated in the NATO Partnership for Peace program. And in March 2004, the republic joined the North Atlantic Alliance. Latvian military personnel participated in various international missions in hot spots: in the peacekeeping contingent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the KFOR contingent (Kosovo), in the occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq.
In mid-2005, the concept of standard small arms was adopted in Latvia, which provided for the gradual rearmament of the Latvian army with NATO standard weapons. At the same time, first of all, the units participating in the missions of the North Atlantic Alliance, as well as units intended to participate in international operations, were to be equipped with new weapons.
In November 2006, the Latvian army received the first batch of HK G36 assault rifles. In January 2007, the general military duty, the transition to a professional army took place.
The Latvian armed forces number about 5,000 military personnel and 10,000 reservists. Including more than 900 in the Ground Forces, 552 in the Navy, 250 in the Air Force. There are also more than 1,200 civilian employees in the armed forces. The 2012 military budget was 370 million euros.
The Latvian Land Forces include the following units and units: ground forces infantry brigade, special forces unit, armed forces headquarters battalion, military police, territorial defense forces, logistics department, training department.
In 2015, several CVRT tracked armored personnel carriers were delivered to Latvia, designed to improve the combat effectiveness and mobility of the ground forces infantry brigade. By 2020, the Latvian military should receive 123 of these tracked armored personnel carriers purchased from Great Britain. The Latvian army is also armed with American army all-terrain vehicles Humvee, which have high maneuverability and are suitable for air transport and landing.
Active negotiations are underway with Germany regarding the purchase of Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery mounts and infantry fighting vehicles. And in the summer of 2015, the commander of the Latvian armed forces told the press that his country would purchase Stinger man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems from the United States. It is expected that these MANPADS will be deployed at the largest military training ground in the Baltic countries - the Adazi military base.
Air Force Latvia is small. In the early 2000s, two new Mi-8MTV helicopters were purchased, equipped with rescue and search equipment, but also used for transporting personnel, evacuation and supporting special forces. Then two more Mi-8MTVs were acquired. Previously, the Air Force was armed with the Polish training and sports aircraft PZL-104 Wilga, the Czechoslovak universal twin-engine aircraft Let L-410 Turbolet, the Soviet light multi-purpose aircraft An-2, and the Mi-2 helicopter.
It is not surprising that Latvia, which has a very modest air arsenal (as well as Lithuania and Estonia), is forced to use the services of its NATO “colleagues”, who alternately patrol the airspace of the Baltic republics. Since January 2016, this mission has been carried out by Belgian and Spanish military aircraft flying from a NATO military base in Lithuanian city Siauliai.
The Latvian naval forces number 587 military personnel and several ships, whose main task is demining territorial waters, as well as patrolling. The armed forces reserve consists of Latvian citizens who have completed military service (5,000 people). In the event of general mobilization, the army will receive 14 more light infantry battalions, one air defense battalion, one artillery battalion and several auxiliary units.
As of 2012, the strength of the Latvian State Border Guard was 2,500 people, armed with three helicopters, three patrol boats, 12 small patrol boats, four motor boats, two trucks, four buses, 11 off-road minibuses, 22 SUVs, 60 minibuses, 131 passenger cars, 30 ATVs, 17 motorcycles and seven tractors.
Lithuania
Until 1940, the Lithuanian armed forces were called the Lithuanian Army. After the republic was included in the USSR, it was reorganized into the 29th Territorial Rifle Corps of the Red Army. In January 1992, the Ministry of Regional Protection began its activities. At the same time, the first call for active military service was announced. In November 1992, the re-establishment of the Army of the Republic of Lithuania was proclaimed.
Continuing the traditions of the Lithuanian Troops of the interwar period, many battalions of the modern Lithuanian Army were given the names of regiments of the 1920s - 1930s and their symbols. The modern armed forces of Lithuania consist of the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Forces.
In September 2008, conscription for military service was abolished in Lithuania, and the Lithuanian armed forces are now recruited on a professional basis. However, in 2015, conscription was “temporarily” restored - under the pretext of the “Russian threat” and the fact that many units were understaffed. At the same time, young people aged 19 to 26 years are called up, selected using a computer draw.
As of 2011, the military budget of Lithuania was 360 million US dollars (later it increased several times, approaching $500,000), the total number of armed forces was 10,640 career military personnel, 6,700 reservists, another 14.6 thousand served in other paramilitary forces.
The Ground Forces have more than eight thousand military personnel (a rapid reaction force brigade, two motorized infantry battalions, two mechanized battalions, an engineer battalion, a military police battalion, a training regiment and several territorial defense units). There are 187 M113A1 armored personnel carriers in service; ten BRDM-2; 133 105 mm field artillery guns; 61 120-mm mortars, up to 100 84-mm recoilless Carl Gustaf guns, 65 ATGMs, 18 anti-aircraft guns and 20 RBS-70 man-portable air defense systems, as well as over 400 anti-tank grenade launchers of various systems.
The Lithuanian Air Force has less than one thousand personnel, two L-39ZA aircraft, five transport aircraft (two L-410 and three C-27J) and nine Mi-8 transport helicopters. More than 500 people serve in the Lithuanian Navy.
The naval forces are armed with one Project 1124M small anti-submarine ship, three Danish Flyvefisken class patrol ships, one Norwegian Storm class patrol boat, three other types of patrol boats, two English-built Lindau minesweepers (M53 and M54), one mine-laying headquarters ship. Norwegian-built mine sweeping forces, one hydrographic vessel and one tug. There is also a coast guard (540 personnel and three patrol boats).
Like the other Baltic republics, Lithuania began cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance under the Partnership for Peace program in 1994, which continued until it joined NATO in March 2004. Lithuanian military personnel took part in missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. After Lithuania joined NATO, the integration of the country's armed forces with the armed forces of other alliance countries began.
In particular, the Lithuanian motorized brigade "Iron Wolf" was included in the Danish division, and in 2007 an agreement was signed on the creation of an infantry battalion of NATO priority deployment forces by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In September 2015, NATO headquarters opened in Vilnius (similar ones were also opened in Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania), which employs 40 military personnel from alliance member countries (primarily Germany, Canada and Poland). One of its main tasks is the coordination of the North Atlantic Alliance's rapid reaction forces in the event of an international crisis in the region.
Estonia
The modern armed forces of Estonia (Estonian Defense Army) in peacetime number about 5.5 thousand people, of which about two thousand are conscripts. The reserve of the armed forces is about 30,000 people, which makes it possible to fully staff one infantry brigade, four individual battalions and organize four defensive areas. Additionally, there are more than 12 thousand people who are members of the Defense League (the so-called Defense League, a volunteer paramilitary force).
The Estonian armed forces are recruited on the basis of universal conscription. Young men from 18 to 28 years of age who do not have an exemption and who are Estonian citizens are required to serve an eight-month or 11-month service (certain specialists). The largest part armed forces are the Ground Forces. The priority for their development is the ability to participate in missions outside national territory and carry out operations to protect the territory of Estonia, including in cooperation with allies.
Along with a number of Soviet-made armored vehicles, the Estonian army is armed with several dozen Swedish Strf 90 infantry fighting vehicles, Finnish armored personnel carriers Patria Pasi XA-180EST and Patria Pasi XA-188.
The main functions of the Estonian Navy are the protection of territorial waters and coastlines, ensuring the safety of maritime navigation, communications and maritime transport in territorial waters and cooperation with the NATO Navy. Naval forces include patrol ships, minesweepers(minesweepers - mine hunters of the Sandown type), auxiliary ships and units coast guard. It is worth mentioning separately about voluntary military organization Defense League, subordinate to the Ministry of Defense.
It consists of 15 territorial divisions, the areas of responsibility of which largely coincide with the boundaries of the Estonian counties. This organization takes part in the exercises of the Estonian army, in addition, its activists participate in maintaining public order as voluntary police assistants, in extinguishing forest fires and performing some other public functions.
Like the other Baltic states, Estonia is a member of the North Atlantic Alliance and has high hopes for its allies. Thus, in the spring of 2015, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves called for the deployment of NATO forces in the country on a permanent basis (at least a brigade). And over the past year, the Estonian Air Force participated several times in joint exercises with the US Air Force: American attack aircraft flew in the Estonian sky and a training airborne landing was carried out.
A small Estonian contingent took part in the war in Afghanistan as part of the international ISAF force, as well as in the American occupation of Iraq. A small number of Estonian representatives took part in UN, EU and NATO peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Mali, Kosovo and the Middle East.
Andrey Yashlavsky
Photo: Sergei Stepanov/ Alfredas Pliadis/ Xinhua/Globallookpress
Republic of Estonia. They consist of ground forces, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary organization Defense League. The size of the Estonian army, according to official statistics, is 6,400 military personnel in the regular forces and 15,800 in the Defense League. There are about 271,000 people in the reserve.
Functions
National defense policy is aimed at ensuring the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its territorial possessions and constitutional order. The main goals of the Estonian Army remain the development and maintenance of the ability to defend the vital interests of the country, as well as the establishment of interaction and interoperability with the armed forces of NATO member states and European Union to participate in the full range of missions of these military alliances.
What can the Estonian Army be proud of?
The creation of national paramilitary structures began during the 1st World War. Despite the relatively small population, about 100,000 Estonians fought on the Eastern Front, of whom about 2,000 received the rank of officer. 47 native Estonians were awarded the Order of St. George. Among the officers were:
- 28 lieutenant colonels;
- 12 colonels;
- 17 Estonians commanded battalions, 7 regiments;
- 3 senior officers served as chiefs of divisional staffs.
Formation of the national army
In the spring of 1917, anticipating fundamental changes in Russian Empire, Estonian politicians initiated the creation of 2 regiments as part of the Russian army, which would be stationed in the vicinity of Tallinn and Narva. The backbone of these paramilitary forces was supposed to be natives of Estonia, seasoned on the fronts of the First World War. The commander of the Petrograd Military District, General Lavr Kornilov, approved the composition of the commission. The troops received a telegram from the General Staff about the redirection of Estonian soldiers in reserve to the Tallinn fortress.
The leadership of the creation of national regiments was carried out by Military Bureau. In May, the garrison already numbered 4,000 troops. However, the Baltic Fleet command soon canceled this initiative, suspecting that these actions were an attempt to secede Estonia from the Russian Empire.
After the bourgeois and subsequent socialist revolution In 1917 the situation changed. The provisional government, counting on the loyalty of the Estonians, allowed the formation of the 1st from 5,600 fighters national division, whose commander was Lieutenant Colonel Johan Laidoner. Thus, this formation can be considered the ancestor of the Estonian army.
Confrontation
Germany after the virtual collapse Russian troops occupied Estonia. However, on November 11, 1918, a revolution occurred in Germany itself; German troops left the territory, transferring control to the national administration.
The Bolsheviks decided to take advantage of the unexpected situation and sent the 7th Army to “liberate the Baltic states from the bourgeoisie.” Quite quickly, a significant part of Estonia came under Soviet control. National government tried to create a capable army, however, workers and peasants, tired of wars and revolutions, deserted en masse. However, by February 1919, the troops already consisted of 23,000 military personnel; the armament of the Estonian army consisted of a division of armored trains, 26 guns, and 147 machine guns.
Gaining independence
When the front line approached Tallinn to 34 kilometers, an English squadron arrived at the port, delivering military equipment and supporting the defenders with the fire of its guns. A number of White Army units also headed here. The May 1919 offensive, led by Commander-in-Chief Johan Laidoner, supported by the Royal Navy and Finnish, Swedish and Danish volunteers, liberated the area.
By the end of 1919, the Estonian army numbered 90,000 people: 3 infantry regiments, reinforced with cavalry and artillery, as well as volunteer detachments, separate battalions and regiments. It was armed with 5 armored cars, 11 armored trains, 8 aircraft, 8 military vessels (destroyers, gunboats, minesweepers) and several tanks.
The Estonians put up worthy resistance, forcing the Bolsheviks to recognize the independence of this proud people. On February 2, 1920, the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed by the RSFSR and the Republic of Estonia.
World War II
In 1940, according to the secret part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the Baltic Republic was annexed by the Red Army with almost no resistance. The government decided to avoid senseless bloodshed.
After the arrival of the Nazis, many Estonians, offended by Soviet power, joined the auxiliary units of the German Wehrmacht. Ultimately, the formation of the 20th division of Waffen SS grenadiers (1st Estonian) began from volunteers and conscripts.
Estonians also fought on the side of the USSR against the Nazis. They formed the backbone of the 22nd Estonian Rifle Corps. The fighters demonstrated particular heroism in the battles for the city of Dno, Pskov region. However, due to frequent cases of desertion, the unit was disbanded. In 1942, the 8th Estonian Rifle Corps was formed.
New time
After the re-gaining of independence caused by the collapse of the USSR, the question of forming national defense arose again. The Estonian Army was restored on September 3, 1991 by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia. Today the country's armed forces number 30 units and several army formations.
Since 2011, the Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces is appointed and responsible to the Estonian government through the Ministry of Defense, and not to the Riigikogu, as was previously the practice. This was caused by constitutional changes proposed by Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
Managment structure
Command and direction:
- Defense Department.
- Military headquarters.
- Commander-in-Chief.
Types of troops:
- Ground troops.
- Air Force.
- Defense League "Defence League".
Today, a large-scale program of rearmament and strengthening of the Estonian army is being carried out. Photos of new military equipment indicate that the leadership is placing its main emphasis on mobile units.
In peacetime, the main tasks of the Ministry of Defense are control of borders and airspace, maintaining conscripts and creating reserve units, participating in international NATO and UN missions, and providing assistance to civil authorities in case of emergency.
In crisis situations, the main management tasks are:
- increasing unit readiness levels as needed;
- preparation for the transition to a military structure and the beginning of mobilization;
- integration of units from other law enforcement agencies;
- preparing to accept help from friendly forces.
In wartime, the main tasks are to protect the territorial integrity of the state, facilitate the arrival and deployment of forces from other countries and cooperate with them, maintain control over the national airspace and assistance air defense strategic facilities in cooperation with NATO forces.
Number and armament of the Estonian army
The defense force consists of regular military units with a total strength of 6,500 officers and men, as well as a volunteer corps of the Defense League, numbering about 12,600 soldiers. In the future, it is planned to increase the size of the operational military group to 30,000 people. The Defense Forces are the main reserve force, so "all physically and mentally fit male citizens" must undergo compulsory military service for a period of 8 or 11 months. The defense forces are located in four defense regions with headquarters in Tallinn, Tapa, Luunja and Pärnu.
The ground forces are mainly equipped with NATO-style weapons. The basis consists of small arms, mobile vehicles, anti-tank and anti-aircraft portable systems.
The Navy includes patrol boats, minesweepers, frigates and coast guard forces. Most of the naval forces are located at the Miinisadam naval base. It is planned to purchase modern high-speed patrol boats.
The Estonian Air Force was re-established on April 13, 1994. From 1993 to 1995, two L-410UVP transport aircraft, three Mi-2 helicopters and four Mi-8 helicopters were delivered to Estonia. The service branch received old Soviet radars and equipment. Most units are located at the Eimari military airfield, where reconstruction was completed in 2012. In 2014, Estonia expressed interest in purchasing Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, which are needed to create an air wing that does not currently exist.
The Estonian Defense Forces are a collection of military organizations responsible for the defense and security of the Republic of Estonia. They include two structures - the Estonian Defense Army and the Estonian Defense League (Estonian Defense League).
The Estonian Defense Forces (armed forces) are subordinate to the Government of Estonia and managed by the Ministry of Defence. Its tasks include preserving the sovereignty of Estonia, protecting the territory, territorial waters and airspace.
Another component of the Defense Forces is voluntary organization Defense League - Estonian Defense League. On April 28, 1992, the Estonian government adopted a resolution according to which the Defense League became part of the Defense Forces. The Defense League is financed from funds allocated for national defense. Weapons and equipment are provided by the main headquarters of the Defense Forces.
In peacetime, the Estonian Defense Forces are led by the Commander of the Defense Army; in wartime, the President of the Republic becomes the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
ESTONIAN DEFENSE ARMY
The Estonian Defense Forces (EDA) includes: ground forces, air and naval forces, logistics units, centrally subordinated units and special operations forces. Recruitment of the Defense Army is carried out on a mixed principle: through the conscription of those liable for military service (age 18-28 years) and the recruitment of contract military personnel. Total number personnel AOE - 5,500 people, of which 2,000 are conscripts, and 35,500 reserve people.
The main unit of the Estonian ground forces is the 1st Infantry Brigade. It consists of a brigade headquarters, a reconnaissance battalion, a Kalevsky infantry battalion, a Viru infantry battalion, an artillery battalion, an air defense battalion, an engineering battalion, a logistics battalion, a headquarters company and a communications company.
Only professional military personnel serve in the reconnaissance battalion. The Kalevsky infantry battalion is formed according to a mixed type - from professional military personnel and conscripts. In the near future, it is planned to additionally form a reconnaissance company, an anti-tank company and other units in the 1st Infantry Brigade.
The 2nd Infantry Brigade includes only the Kuperyanovsky separate infantry battalion and a rear battalion.
The ground forces also include military police and the Central Training Ground of the Armed Forces. The number of ground forces (including units and institutions under central command) is 4,950 people. The Air Force organizationally includes an Air Force headquarters, an air base and an air surveillance division. The air base includes two squadrons (transport and helicopter) and a radio technical battalion. The total strength of the Air Force is 250 people. Base points: Ämari airbase and Tallinn airport.
The Navy includes a naval base, a minesweeper division and a diver detachment. Number of people: 300 people.
"KITSELITE"
The Defense League is a volunteer paramilitary force operating throughout Estonia. The total number of the Defense Union is more than 10 thousand people. The Defense League has 15 districts - one district in each county (with the exception of the Lian district, where two districts are located, and the city of Tallinn, which has its own separate district). There are also separate student divisions. The structure of the districts is arbitrary and quite complex.
Three auxiliary organizations are subordinate to the Defense Union: “Women’s Home Defense” (the main task of which is medical and logistical services), “Eaglets” (an organization of boy scouts) and “Daughters of the Motherland” (an organization of teenage girls who later become members of the “Women’s Home Defense” "). The main goals of these organizations are patriotic education. The Defense League takes part in general and international exercises, conducts its own exercises and special training in a variety of areas. Members of the organization can be both citizens and non-citizens of Estonia. The leadership of the Defense League has military ranks Estonia and the rights of officers regular army. The commander of the Defense League and the chief of staff are appointed by the Estonian government.
WEAPONS
The ground forces are armed with both Soviet and Russian equipment, as well as outdated weapons from Western countries. In addition to the Soviet BTR-60, BTR-70, there are new modifications of the BTR-80 (15 units). The Finnish army provided 56 XA-180 armored personnel carriers, which were modernized. In 2010, Estonia purchased 81 XA-188 armored personnel carriers from the Netherlands. Seven armored personnel carriers "Mamba" and "Alvis-4" were purchased from South Africa. Estonia does not have heavy armored vehicles. Artillery is represented by outdated towed guns and mortars of various calibers. The largest quantity (42 guns) is of Soviet D-30 howitzers, purchased in Finland and designated N-63.
Anti-tank and air defense weapons are represented by portable systems. Small arms produced in the USA, Finland, Israel, France, Italy, and Sweden are extremely diverse in composition. In 1997, the United States donated 1,200 M-16A1 assault rifles, 1,500 M1911 pistols to Estonia, and in 1998 - 40.5 thousand M-14 automatic rifles for the mobilization reserve.
The Air Force's fleet of aircraft is very modest: two leased Czech L-39C trainers, two An-2 transport "corn trucks", four light multi-role Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopters. To replace the An-2, the United States donated two C-23 Sherpa transport aircraft to Estonia. The Navy is armed with three British-made Sendown-class minesweepers and a Lindorman-class support ship. The ship is armed with a 76 mm caliber gun and carries the Remus 100 autonomous underwater vehicle.
The Defense League is armed with anti-tank guns, small arms, mortars, and various modifications of armored personnel carriers.
Estonian Armed Forces ( Eesti sõjavagi) began to form in November 1918 on a voluntary basis and numbered 2,000 people at that time. By 1920, the size of the Estonian army had increased to 75,000 people.
In 1918 - 1920 the Estonian army led fighting against the Red Army of the RSFSR, the Estonian Red Army ( Eesti Punakaart) and the German Iron Division (German volunteers) of General Count Rüdiger von der Goltz (Rüdiger Graf von der Goltz). About 3,000 Estonian military personnel died during the fighting.
For 20 years, from 1920 to 1940, the Estonian Armed Forces did not participate in hostilities.
Estonian artillerymen
Since October 1928, the Law on military service, according to which its period was determined at 12 months for infantry, cavalry and artillery and 18 months for technical branches of the military and navy.
On September 1, 1939 in Estonian Armed Forces There were 15,717 people (1,485 officers, 2,796 non-commissioned officers, 10,311 soldiers and 1,125 civil servants). According to mobilization plans, the wartime army was to consist of 6,500 officers, 15,000 non-commissioned officers and 80,000 soldiers.
In September 1939, the territory of Estonia was divided into three divisional military districts.
Since 1921 Estonian officer corps was prepared during three years at the Military School ( Sojakool), founded in April 1919. To advance to staff officer ranks (from major and above), training was required at the General Staff Courses created in August 1925 ( KindralstaabiKursus) or the Higher Military School ( Kõrgem Sõjakool). A number of senior officers of the Estonian Armed Forces were educated at military academies in France, Belgium, and Sweden. There were non-commissioned officer schools at the division headquarters ( Allohvitseride kool). Since 1928, special courses have been created for the training of reserve officers.
Banner Military school
Johan Laidoner
The structure of the Estonian Armed Forces was as follows:
Higher military command. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Armed Forces was General Johan Laidoner ( Johan Laidoner), who headed the Defense Council. Subordinate to him was the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Nikolai Reek ( Nikolai Reek) and Chief of the General Staff General Alexander Jaakson ( Alexander Jaakson).
Ground Army. According to peacetime states, the Estonian Land Army included three infantry divisions.
To the 1st Infantry Division (3,750 people) under the command of Major General Alexander Pulk ( Aleksander-Voldemar Pulk) included: one infantry regiment, two separate infantry battalions, two artillery groups (18 guns), a regiment of armored trains (three trains and one battery of railway guns), Narva stationary artillery batteries (13 guns) and a separate anti-tank company.
To the 2nd Infantry Division (4,578 men) under the command of Major General Herbert Brede ( Herbert Brede) included: one infantry regiment, one cavalry regiment, four separate battalions, two artillery groups (18 guns) and two separate anti-tank companies.
The 3rd Infantry Division (3286 people) included: six separate infantry battalions, an artillery group, and two separate anti-tank companies.
It also included an Autotank Regiment led by Colonel Johannes Wellerind ( Johannes August Vellerind), which included 23 armored vehicles and 22 tanks (and wedges). The tanks were represented by four British vehicles MK-V and twelve French Renault FT-17. In 1938, Estonia purchased six wedges from Poland TKS.
Estonian tank crews. 1936
In 1940, the formation of the 4th Infantry Division began under the command of Colonel Jaan Maide ( Jaan Maide), which was not completed.
In 1939, the Estonian army was armed with 173,400 rifles, 8,900 pistols and revolvers, 496 submachine guns and 5,190 machine guns.
Air Force. The Estonian military aviation was consolidated into an air regiment, which included:
- 1st Air Division - seven aircraft Hawker Hart;
- 2nd Air Division - two aircraft Letov Š.228E and five planes Henschel Hs.126;
- 3rd Air Division - four aircraft BristolBulldog and one plane AvroAnson.
There was a flying school attached to the air regiment.
The commander of the Estonian Air Force was Richard Tomberg ( Richard Tomberg).
Aircraft of the Estonian Air Force
Naval forces. Part Navy Estonia ( Eesti Merevägi) included two submarines - Kalev And Lembit, two patrol ship Pikker And Sulev, four gunboats Vanemuine, Tartu, Ahti And Ilmatar, two minelayers Ristna And Suurop. The commander of the Estonian Navy was Captain-Major Johannes Santpunk ( Johannes Santpunk).
Estonian submarines
Paramilitary forces. Estonian Border Guard ( Eesti piirivalve) since 1922 was subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it was headed by Major General Ants Kurvits ( Ants Kurvits).
Ants Kurvits
Johannes Orasmaa
The border guard numbered 1,100 people, including more than 70 border guards working with sniffer dogs. The Estonian border was guarded by the Tallinn, Lääne, Pechora, Peipus and Narva branches, numbering 164 outposts and posts.
Paramilitary Militia Defense Association ( Kaitseliit) was formed in 1918. It was headed by General Johannes Orasmaa ( Johannes Orasmaa)
By 1940, the number of members of the Association reached 43,000 men, 20,000 women and about 30,000 teenagers in auxiliary units.
On August 30, 1940, the Estonian army was transformed into the 22nd Estonian Territorial Rifle Corps (180th and 182nd rifle divisions with a separate artillery regiment and air detachment) under the command of Lieutenant General Gustav Jonson ( Gustav Jonson), who on July 17, 1941 was arrested by the NKVD on charges of espionage. His position was taken by Major General Alexander Sergeevich Ksenofontov.
Estonian militias
On August 31, 1941, the 22nd Estonian Territorial Rifle Corps as part of the Red Army was disbanded due to the fact that out of 5,500 people in its composition, 4,500 went over to the enemy. The remaining Estonian military personnel were sent to labor battalions stationed in remote areas of the North.
Õun M. Eesti sõjavägi 1920 - 1940. Tammiskilp. Tallinn, 2001.