Estonia is procuring up to 600 concrete bunkers for deployment along its border with Russia, as part of a broader effort by the three Baltic states to bolster their defenses. This initiative, known as the Baltic Defence Line, aims to secure the region “from the first metre” of national territory.
Strengthening the Eastern Flank
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) is seeking companies capable of manufacturing and delivering the bunkers. Latvia’s defence ministry has also expressed interest and is in discussions regarding potential participation in the procurement process. The process will be a negotiated competitive procedure, and details have been published in Estonia’s public procurement register.
According to Asko Kivinuk, ECDI’s deputy director-general, initial bunker deliveries have arrived and installation is underway in southeastern and northeastern Estonia. This initial phase is intended to inform the scaling up of the project. A joint procurement with Latvia could potentially reduce costs through economies of scale.
Alongside the bunker construction, Estonia has prepositioned previously acquired counter-mobility assets and is continuing work on an anti-mobility trench system.
ECDI aims to complete the Baltic Defence Line by the complete of 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Baltic Defence Line?
The Baltic Defence Line is a planned joint defense line by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania along their borders with Russia and Belarus.
How many bunkers are planned for Estonia?
Estonia plans to install up to 600 bunkers as part of the Baltic Defence Line.
What is the current status of the project?
The first bunkers have been delivered and installation is progressing in southeastern and northeastern Estonia. Work is also underway on an anti-mobility trench system.
As the Baltic states move forward with these defensive measures, what impact might this have on regional security dynamics?
