The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments Announces Support Measure to Assist Ukrainian Defence Forces

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) will soon launch a program to purchase products or services suitable for targeted use by Ukraine's defence forces during crises and wartime. All eligible companies registered in Estonia are invited to offer their products or services.

 “We have committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor with at least 0.25% of our GDP. Additionally, we aim to procure aid from Estonia’s defence industry. I hope that most defence-related companies will participate in this support measure, bearing in mind that Ukraine will prioritize its needs based on its military requirements,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

Estonia provides Ukraine with direct military material aid, contributes to the training of Ukrainian defence personnel, and co-leads the IT coalition for supporting Ukraine together with Luxembourg. The new program offers Estonian companies an opportunity to contribute to Ukraine’s victory.

“Our support for Ukraine is based on their military needs and Estonia’s capabilities. Our goal is to help Ukraine win the war while simultaneously fostering the development of Estonia’s defence industry,” said Katri Raudsepp, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments.

Products or services submitted to the support program must already be developed and marketed, designed specifically for use by defence forces in crises and wartime, and manufactured in Estonia with at least 30% local production.

According to Kalev Koidumäe, Executive Director of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, this support measure for Ukraine’s military aid will accelerate the development of Estonia’s defence industry and enable the creation of more products that could also be used for Estonia’s defence if needed. “Today, unmanned platforms, surveillance systems, and other equipment developed and manufactured by Estonian defence industry companies are already in use by Ukraine’s armed forces and security structures. These tools have proven to be reliable and effective on the battlefield. Estonia’s defence industry is an integral part of our national defence and economy,” said Koidumäe.

Detailed eligibility criteria for the support program will be published on the ECDI website.

Applications will be evaluated by an expert committee comprising representatives from the ECDI, the Estonian Defence Forces, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and the Government Office.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments will host an information day for interested companies on 17 December. For registration and inquiries, please email [email protected].