GPS systems in the Baltic Sea region, including Estonia, experienced disruptions attributed to Russia at the end of 2023, according to monitoring websites, ERR reports. Estonia witnessed major disruptions along its eastern border and in the south. The disruptions were traced back to Russia’s Leningrad region, with potential spillover into Estonian and neighbouring airspace, according…
The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) have received the first batch of Spanish-made EXPAL 120mm mortars, BNS reports. The Defence Ministry said that the modern high-quality weaponry provided a significant enhancement to Lithuania’s indirect fire support capabilities. The mortars have an effective range of up to eight kilometres. Lithuania signed a EUR 9.8mn procurement contract with…
Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) has detained a Russian citizen on suspicion of espionage, LSM reported. VDD searched five premises in and around Riga and confiscated a large volume of media and documents. VDD found that the person had collected and transferred information regarding critical infrastructure and military objects in Latvia for Russian intelligence. In…
Major General Veiko-Vello Palm, commander of the Estonian Division, highlighted the importance of acquiring long-range weapons, such as HIMARS systems, to enhance Estonia’s defence capabilities, ERR reported. He said that the focus on deep strikes and disrupting enemy supply lines had become crucial in countering potential threats. Palm acknowledged the need for continuous military growth,…
Lithuania has completed the first phase of procuring joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) manufactured by the US defence contractor, Oshkosh Defense, BNS reports. The final batch of 50 JLTVs, part of a 2019 contract for 200 vehicles, recently arrived in Lithuania ahead of schedule. The first 50 JLTVs were delivered in 2021, followed by additional…
Lithuania plans to call up reserve troops up to the age of 60 for training in response to the deteriorating regional security situation, BNS reports. The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has given initial approval for the initiative. The plan includes calling up around 80,000 reserve troops who served more than ten years ago. These individuals…
Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins asserts that even if Ukraine regains control of all conquered territories, Russia will still remain a military threat to Europe, LETA reports. He argued that Russia’s government was rooted in imperialist ambitions and saw external enemies as a means to distract from domestic issues. Karins highlighted the changing security landscape…
In his New Year address, Lauri Hussar, speaker of the Estonian parliament, the Riigikogu, outlined key challenges for Estonia in 2024, ERR reports. He emphasised the importance of transitioning to Estonian as the sole language of tuition in schools, viewing it as vital to preserving the country’s language and culture. Hussar urged unity in recognising…
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have adopted a coordinated approach to improve the effectiveness of EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus, ERR reports. The prime ministers of the three Baltic States stressed the importance of a unified strategy, aiming to prevent fragmentation and serve as an example for other EU border countries. The joint effort includes…