Estonia handed over Javelin anti-tank missiles and machine guns to Ukraine

4 February, 2024 Javelin ATGM in the Estonian army. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Estonia Estonia handed over to Ukraine a new military aid package that includes anti-tank missiles of the Javelin system.

This was reported by the Estonian Ministry of Defense. The package also includes machine guns, small arms ammunition, ground and amphibious vehicles, as well as diving equipment. The transfer of this batch of aid, worth £80 million, was adopted by the Estonian government in December, last year.

"I am glad that another package of aid has arrived in Ukraine and is being used by Ukrainian defenders," said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.

Operator of the Javelin ATGM of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo credits: AFU

The exact number of weapons and equipment transferred, arrival time and other delivery details were not disclosed for safety reasons.

"Recent developments in Europe show that the transfer of important missiles and other military aid to Ukraine continues on a large scale, and this, together with our allies, we send a clear message to the Kremlin that we will continue to support Ukraine until there is a victorious end," Pevkur said. At a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on January 23 this year, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced Estonia's decision to join Operation Interflex to train the Ukrainian military.

Estonian and Ukrainian soldiers on training, March 2023. Source: EDF

This program of training of Ukrainian soldiers takes place under the leadership of Great Britain.

The Estonian Ministry of Defense added that in 2022 the country provided Ukraine with military aid worth almost 500 million euros.

Field hospital for Ukraine, November 2023.

Photo credits: Estonian Ministry of Defense

In previous military aid packages, Estonia has already transferred to Ukraine: Javelin missiles, howitzers, artillery ammunition, anti-tank mines, anti-tank grenade launchers, mortars, vehicles, communications equipment, mobile hospitals, medical supplies, personal protective equipment and MREs.

Also in next four years, Estonia plans to provide military support to Ukraine in the amount of 0.25% of its GDP, said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in January.