Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that this year, the Defence Forces are celebrating its anniversary in a situation where we see daily the important role of our Defence Forces in ensuring the security of Estonia and maintaining and developing allied relations. “The difficult international situation, illustrated by the hybrid attack carried out by Belarus against the European Union and the tensions at the Ukrainian border, still proves that the Defence Forces is, and will remain, the foundation of the security of Estonia”, said Kallas. The prime minister added that the defence budget of Estonia for next year is the largest one so far, amounting to 2.31% of GDP.
Kallas also emphasised that Estonian-Italian defence co-operation has been long-term and effective. “We thank Italy for its presence on the eastern wing of NATO. The Baltic Air Security Mission is a great example of how the collective defence of NATO works. One of the foundations of the security of Estonia is the confident readiness of the Allies to deter and protect our airspace,” the prime minister noted.
Italy took on the duty of guarding the Baltic airspace at Ämari from the German Air Force in May 2021. Thanks to the presence of the Italian forces in Ämari, the fifth generation F-35 fighters participated in the Baltic air security mission for the first time. At the end of the year, the Belgian air force will take over from Italy.
Before the Ämari visit, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas participated in a commemoration event as part of the 103rd anniversary of the Defence Forces and laid a wreath in memory of the fallen in the Defence Forces cemetery.
Photos:
Commemoration of the 103rd anniversary of the Defence Forces:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72157720151244041
Photos of the visit to the Ämari air base:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72157720146363608
