On April 25, Estonia officially inaugurated its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training center at Nurmsi, marking a pivotal step in bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities. Located at the Koigi grass airfield, this new facility will support the training needs of the Estonian Defence League, the Defence Forces, and allied military units, ensuring readiness for modern warfare tactics and technological advancements.
Peeter Karja, Southern Portfolio Manager at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), highlighted the significance of the center, stating, “This center expands training opportunities for units and strengthens cooperation with our allies.” The importance of UAV training was underscored by Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, who emphasized the lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Drones and unmanned systems are key in modern warfare,” Pevkur said, reinforcing their role in enhancing Estonia’s defense capabilities.
The new center will be instrumental in supporting field exercises and integrating the lessons learned from Ukraine and NATO allies into Estonia’s national defense strategy. Major General Ilmar Tamm, Commander of the Estonian Defence League, noted that the facility would serve as a hub for technological development, positioning Estonia at the forefront of utilizing drones for defense. He further expressed that the center offers essential infrastructure for both national forces and international defense industry partners.
The training center is housed in a three-story building covering 1,300 square meters, featuring classrooms, equipment storage and maintenance areas, as well as accommodation, sanitation, and leisure facilities. A standout feature is a glass tower offering a 360-degree view, enhancing training and operational capabilities.
The project was funded by the government of Luxembourg at a cost of approximately five million euros. The partnership between the defense ministries of Luxembourg and Estonia was formalized in April 2021, marking the beginning of this collaborative effort to enhance Estonia’s defense infrastructure.
This new UAV training center represents not only a major investment in Estonia’s military readiness but also a testament to the growing importance of drones in modern warfare and national defense.
