A Rare Drone and Defence Technology Testing Laboratory to be Built in Estonia

The Estonian applied research centre and national metrology institute Metrosert is establishing a nearly €7 million drone technology laboratory in Tallinn. The lab will focus on testing the radar visibility of devices and systems, as well as their resilience to electromagnetic interference. 

The electromagnetic compatibility and radar cross-section (EMC/RCS) laboratory will be built as part of Metrosert’s drone technologies testing centre in Haabersti, scheduled to become operational in spring 2027. 

A capability currently not available in the region 

According to Rainer Kivimäe, Head of the Drone Technologies Unit at Metrosert’s Applied Research Centre, the new laboratory will fill a critical gap in testing capabilities both in Estonia and across Europe. It will enable testing of everything from small electronic devices to large vehicles and fully integrated weapon systems. He noted that Estonia’s geographical location provides the laboratory with a significant advantage.  

According to him, such combined solutions are very rare in Europe. The laboratory will enable testing of both small electronic devices and large vehicles, as well as integrated weapon systems. He also noted that Estonia’s geographical location adds unique value to the lab. 

“The changed security environment and the lessons learned from the ongoing war in Europe provide us with the opportunity to incorporate authentic radar and electronic warfare data into our laboratory testing. This allows us to evaluate how systems are detected in real-world conditions and how their visibility can be reduced,” said Kivimäe. 

Metrosert’s representative added that EMC/RCS testing is an area where developers in Estonia and neighbouring countries face the greatest challenges.  

“Market analysis showed that testing centres offering these capabilities are heavily overbooked across Europe. This new capability will help ease that bottleneck and significantly accelerate the transition of developed prototypes into real industrial production,” Kivimäe said. 

Top-tier project partners 

The procurement process attracted several internationally recognised suppliers. The contract for the EMC/RCS laboratory has been awarded to a consortium consisting of ETS-Lindgren Oy from Finland and March MicroWave Systems B.V. from the Netherlands. 

According to JJ Vachoux, Managing Director, Solutions EMEA at ETS-Lindgren Oy, the project lays a strong foundation for developing world-class testing capabilities in the region. 

“ETS‑Lindgren Oy is very excited to be part of this project. Our extensive experience in EMC, combined with Metrosert’s specialized expertise, will greatly benefit future users of the new test laboratory. The team at ETS‑Lindgren Oy is fully committed to bringing the project to a successful completion and is already working closely with Metrosert and all stakeholders toward that shared goal,” said JJ Vachoux. 

Part of a comprehensive drone testing centre 

The EMC laboratory will operate within Metrosert’s new drone technologies testing centre, designed to support developers throughout the full testing cycle – from laboratory experiments to real-environment field testing. 

The centre, set to be completed in spring 2027, will bring together existing and new capabilities, including the EMC/RCS laboratory, a drive-in climate chamber lab, ingress protection lab, climate and vacuum/low-pressure chambers, materials lab with corrosion chamber, HALT/HASS accelerated life testing lab, vibration and acoustics laboratory, and an electronics lab supporting other facilities. Metrosert will also establish a dedicated field testing area for drones and unmanned systems. 

The infrastructure is primarily aimed at companies in the Nordic and Baltic regions, defence sector developers, and manufacturers of large-scale systems. In parallel with the launch of the laboratory, an accreditation process will be initiated to ensure compliance with international standards and full traceability of measurements. 

Metrosert is the Estonian RTO (Research and Technology Organization) and National Metrology Institute. Its Applied Research Centre focuses on five fields: drone technologies, autonomous vehicles, hydrogen technologies, biorefining, and health data. The state-owned company employs around 140 professionals and supports sustainable growth through applied research, measurement and quality systems, and industry-academia collaboration.