Estonia Announces Tender Loitering Munition Purchase
6 December, 2024 Loitering munition. Photo credits: ECDI The Estonian Center for Defense Investment (ECDI) has announced a tender for the purchase of loitering munitions to meet the needs of the Estonian Defense Forces in various short- and long-range systems.
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments reported about this on its website. The purpose of the tender is to sign a framework agreement with several suppliers for the comprehensive procurement of loitering munitions for 7 years. Due to this, the agency plans to have a wide range of options for the purchase of not only complex means, but also individual elements.
"As the needs of the Estonian Defense Forces may change over time, this broad framework agreement will allow for the procurement of various products over a long period of time," explains Ramil Lipp, Strategic Affairs Manager at ECDI.
Subject of the procurement
The agreement provides for the purchase of UAVs, including FPV drones and other drones adapted for military use.
Ukrainian-made DARTS FPV drone.
In addition to kamikaze drones, the procurement of bomber drones is also envisaged to defeat the enemy by means of dropping bombs.
In addition, the procurement of "guidance devices," signal repeaters, as well as spare parts, tools and related equipment, is envisaged. Additional services include training, life cycle support, and maintenance services. "The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that loitering munitions or attack drones are highly effective tools for stopping the enemy and delivering extremely precise strikes," said Ramil Lipp.
The Estonian military is actively analyzing the experience of combat operations in Ukraine. Amid constant threat from Russia, they are trying to quickly strengthen their capabilities. Including with the help of drones.
At the beginning of November 2024, Estonia expressed its interest in purchasing drones from Ukraine for its army. "If we announce a tender, it will be open to the Ukrainian companies as well. That is, we will be able to see proposals from the Ukrainian producers, as well as from the Estonian and Western producers," the minister said.
An obstacle to the realization of such defense cooperation between Estonia and Ukraine is the ban on arms exports by Ukraine that has been imposed during martial law.
According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, the export ban will not be a hindrance if the countries come to an agreement, and such cooperation would be beneficial for both Estonia and Ukraine.