UK signs new defense deal with Estonia
20 October, 2024 Illustration photo of the flags of Great Britain and Estonia. Photo from open sources The UK Secretary of Defense signed a new defense agreement with Estonia, emphasizing key NATO commitments, and announced cooperation with the alliance in the field of missile construction.
The UK Ministry of Defense reported on this. The joint declaration, signed at a meeting of NATO defense ministers, provides for placing four brigades on high alert for rapid deployment in the event of a threat. "The United Kingdom and Estonia will deepen their already close defense partnership, standing together as a united front against Russian aggression.
This joint declaration assumes placing the UK's 4th Brigade Combat Team on high alert from July 2025. This means that thousands of troops will be on standby for rapid deployment to Estonia, reaffirming the UK's unwavering commitment to the protection and defense of our allies," the Ministry reported. The 4th Brigade will also be reinforced with additional equipment, particularly helicopters, short-range air defense systems, and MLRS.
In addition, the UK will also maintain a permanent military contingent in Estonia.
Cooperation in rocket engineering
In addition to strengthening cooperation in Estonia, the United Kingdom has also signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation with NATO member states in the field of missile defense and long-range missile development. In particular, the UK will lead the new DIAMOND initiative aimed at integrating NATO's air and missile defense systems. This initiative is intended to ensure that the Alliance's various air defense systems work together in Europe.
The UK will also participate in the European Long-Range Strike Approach program. This is a joint program of France, Germany, Italy, and Poland that provides for the development of new long-range European missiles.
The MdCN cruise missile, one of the candidates for the European Long-Range Strike Approach program.
Photo credits: MBDA
In September 2024, a new military base called Reedo was opened in southern Estonia near the town of Voru. Voru is located about 45 km from Pechory, a border town in Russia's Pskov region. The base is designed to deploy the Estonian Defense Forces, as well as military personnel from allied countries, including the United States.
It will be used for "necessary training in accordance with NATO defense plans."
The base consists of 14 buildings and can accommodate up to 1,000 soldiers.