Estonia's defense forces are set to receive 18 modern French Caesar armored vehicles, according to a new development plan outlined by Estonia's Ministry of Defense.
Pevkur highlighted that the acquisition of 155-millimeter wheeled howitzers stands as the most crucial armament procurement in the defense enhancement package. Plans are underway to form a separate battalion equipped with 18 howitzers, which will operate under the direct command of the 1st Division.
Currently, the Estonian Defense Forces possess 24 tracked mobile artillery units, along with the acquisition of a 155-millimeter K9 Kõu howitzer from South Korea. As per the contract, an additional 12 units are slated for delivery in the coming years.
"All long-range capabilities will be concentrated within the division because it is the division that will ultimately define the battlefield. In order to have rapid and flexible long-range potential, we will procure additional wheeled artillery. This direction, this brigade, where we need support [during wartime], will receive this backing. You can't maneuver much on tracks," the minister said.
NATO braces for escalation
Earlier, German Bild released a scenario of military exercises in Germany, during which German armed forces prepare for a hybrid attack by Russia on NATO's eastern flank.
Specifically, NATO's Military Committee Chairman Admiral Rob Bauer said that the alliance requires transformation, and the West must prepare for an era where anything can happen at any time, including the onset of war.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also warned of the risk of aggression from Russia in the coming years. According to him, European leaders must be prepared for such a scenario.
Furthermore, Polish President Andrzej Duda asserted that Russia may soon rebuild its military potential and attack NATO countries as early as 2026.
