Estonia Restarts Air Force Conscription After 22 Years
Estonia has resumed Air Force conscription after 22 years, with recruits set to train on IRIS-T SLM air defense systems amid NATO activity.
Estonia has resumed conscription into its Air Force for the first time in 22 years, ERR reported, citing the country’s Defense Resources Department.
According to the broadcaster, one woman is among the new recruits. All conscripts will serve in an air defense battalion, where they are expected to learn how to operate the IRIS-T SLM medium-range surface-to-air missile system.
ERR noted that the system is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. Its declared range is up to 40 kilometers, while its engagement altitude reaches up to 20 kilometers.
In December 2025, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur proposed increasing the length of compulsory military service for all conscripts to 12 months starting in 2027. Estonia’s Defense Ministry believes the current training system no longer provides the required level of military preparation.
Russia, meanwhile, has repeatedly pointed to what it describes as unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders in recent years. The alliance continues to expand its military initiatives, presenting them as a response to alleged Russian aggression. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Moscow remains open to dialogue with NATO, but only on an equal basis.