Estonia Plans to Expand NATO Contingent to 1,200 Troops

Estonia to Host 1,200 NATO Troops and Long-Range Drones

01:02 20-07-2026

Estonia plans to expand its NATO contingent to 1,200 troops, deploy British long-range drones and stage 4th Brigade exercises on its territory in 2027.

Add Военное дело to your preferred Google sources

Estonia plans to increase the NATO contingent stationed in the country to 1,200 troops, Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in an interview with ERR.

According to Pevkur, the reinforcement will take place next year. British units deployed to Estonia will also bring long-range drones.

Researcher Marek Kohv of the International Centre for Defence and Security told ERR that the new NATO force will differ from traditional formations built around armored vehicles. Instead, Estonia is expected to host a more mobile unit tailored to the region’s specific conditions.

The formation will be able to disperse quickly when necessary and operate as several smaller autonomous groups. The deployment of equipment and ammunition for the new British contingent is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Exercises involving the British Armed Forces’ 4th Brigade are planned in Estonia for 2027.

Russia has repeatedly pointed to growing NATO activity near its western borders in recent years. The alliance says the expansion of its military presence is intended to deter what it calls Russian aggression.

Moscow has voiced concern over the buildup of NATO forces in Europe. The Kremlin has said that Russia poses no threat to other countries but will respond to actions it considers potentially dangerous to its interests.