The first bunkers to be installed in southeastern Estonia

Last week, preparatory work began to install the first five bunkers in southeastern Estonia as part of the creation of the Baltic Defence Line. In the next phase, another 23 bunkers will be built in the coming months. In total, up to 600 bunkers are planned to be installed in northeastern and southeastern Estonia by the end of 2027.

“It is a pleasure to note that, in addition to the defensive installations (dragon teeth, barbed wire) already delivered, we are now seeing a new tangible addition in the form of bunkers to the creation of a comprehensive Baltic Defence Line,” said Kadi-Kai Kollo, Head of the Infrastructure Department at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI). According to her, 28 bunkers will be installed in the first phase. “After that, we will move on to procuring and installing the next 600 bunkers, which we aim to complete by the end of 2027 at the latest.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ainar Afanasjev, Pioneer Inspector at the Defence Forces General Staff, noted that the careful selection of locations for the bunkers and trenches was extremely important to ensure they fit with the Defence Forces’ defence plans and the specific characteristics of the terrain. “It is essential that these decisions are well thought out and coordinated with the units,” he added.

According to Afanasjev, the bunkers are primarily intended to protect personnel against direct hits from 152 mm artillery ammunition, which is widely used by the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

In the near future, construction is also planned to begin on a 3.4-kilometre-long anti-tank trench. In total, up to 40 kilometres of anti-tank trenches are planned.

The comprehensive Baltic Defence Line will be completed by the end of 2027 at the latest.