Estonia’s defence edge: Unmanned systems, rapid response and NATO partnerships

“The greatest risk is no longer a failed project but missing out on time-critical opportunities,” says Major Ivo Peets, the incoming head of Estonia’s soon-to-be established Force Transformation Command. The new command’s role is to provide a framework that accelerates capability development and ensures battlefield innovation reaches the defence forces more quickly. 

New frameworks and Estonia’s international role 

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur underlines that the Estonian Defence Forces are central in assessing which new technologies are fit for purpose. When solutions meet operational needs, they move into capability development programmes, budgeted by the Ministry of Defence and procured by the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments. Peets adds that what is needed is a “one-door policy” that gives companies a clear channel to present ideas and creates a transparent decision-making process. 

Estonia’s strength lies in its flexibility, where political and strategic information flows rapidly to the end user. Yet its operational structure is large for a country of its size, with around 43,000 service members and nearly 200,000 trained reservists. Managing such a broad-based reserve inevitably brings constraints. That is why Estonia must focus on its strongest niches: unmanned systems and rapid response. Developing these areas also depends on international cooperation. Pevkur points out that NATO DIANA creates opportunities to connect with prime contractors, while Estonia’s business diplomacy opens doors to leading global defence companies. 

On funding, the priority is balance between public and private capital. The NATO Innovation Fund and Estonia’s own SmartCap provide opportunities for SMEs to grow into NATO supply chains, while accelerator programmes such as NATO DIANA, Tehnopol’s Cyber Accelerator and the Defence Business Lab help avoid wasted resources and quickly identify scalable solutions. 

Innovation as part of a wider ecosystem 

Peets sees the Baltic Defence Line as a platform where traditional defence capabilities and innovation must come together. It cannot remain static. Instead, it should integrate unmanned strongpoints, autonomy and other technologies that raise readiness while reducing risks to lives. Building it also requires contributions from across society, including start-ups and developers of dual-use technologies. 

Bringing civilian and defence technologies together is not straightforward. Differences in pace, reliability requirements, legal restrictions and intellectual property all present challenges. Peets notes that rules on specific components such as explosives can block wider use, while military applications often carry export limits that reduce investor interest and risk leaving solutions stuck between the market and the defence forces. “The key issue is to help companies find a very specific military context where their solution is genuinely needed and usable,” he says. Pevkur adds that the state’s role is to provide a legal framework for IP protection and strengthen it if required. 

The war in Ukraine has also shifted attitudes. The Defence Forces are more open to working with start-ups and research institutions. Conscription and the reserve system create trust that enables closer cooperation. For the next generation, Peets highlights openness, the courage to take risks and the ability to keep a long-term perspective. 

Equally important, he says, is honesty and clarity in collaboration. The Defence Forces must be able to give companies an early “no” when a solution is not relevant or indicate where they are willing to accept risk. This avoids wasted effort and directs resources to ideas that can deliver real value to Estonia. 

Asked what kind of elevator pitch would grab his attention at Defence Innovation Day, Peets replies: “What would immediately get my attention is an idea that helps Estonia hold out in the very first battle, saves lives and creates sufficient deterrence in the aggressor from the very first minutes. This could be autonomous technology, a solution for detecting and countering unmanned systems, a new command system or a situational awareness tool that gives decision-makers clarity and advantage more quickly.” 

“The most compelling elevator pitch,” he adds, “would be one that fills a specific capability gap and at the same time creates flexible production capacity that works in both peace and wartime.” 

For Pevkur, the measure of success at Defence Innovation Day is clear: “The most important thing is to bring the right people together in one room – and that is already happening at the Innovation Day.” He has compared it to assembling the best possible meal from the best ingredients, and in his view those ingredients will be there. 

Defence Innovation Day will take place in Tallinn on 22 September. Registration is open to all interested participants.

Defence Innovation Day is organised by Tehnopol and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications through the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator. One programme block is co-curated by Sparkup Tartu Science Park. 

*Cover photo: Estonian Defence Forces (pildid.mil.ee)