Estonia Inaugurates First Drone Training Centre to Strengthen Defence Capabilities
On April 25, Estonia marked a major step forward in its defence preparedness by officially opening its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training centre at Nurmsi, located at the Koigi airfield. This new facility is designed to boost the skills of the Estonian Defence League, the Defence Forces, and allied military units, making it a key asset for the country’s security.
Peeter Karja, Southern Portfolio Manager at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, highlighted the significance of the new centre, saying it will expand training opportunities and enhance cooperation with Estonia’s allies. He pointed out that the ongoing war in Ukraine has made it clear how important drone training is for developing stronger defence capabilities.
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur also emphasised the growing role of drones in modern warfare. According to him, Estonia must keep up with the rapid evolution of drone technology, and the new UAV training centre is a major step in that direction. He expressed his satisfaction that Estonia now has its own specialised centre to train forces in drone operations.
The training centre will not only support national units but also serve allied forces during joint exercises. Major General Ilmar Tamm, Commander of the Estonian Defence League, praised the opening of the centre, calling it a significant advancement for Estonia’s defence strategy. He added that the Defence League is taking a leading role in integrating drone technology into national defence efforts, drawing valuable lessons from experiences in Ukraine and among NATO partners.
The new centre features a three-story building covering 1,300 square metres. It includes classrooms, equipment storage and maintenance areas, accommodation, sanitation facilities, and leisure spaces. One of the highlights of the facility is a glass tower that offers a full 360-degree view of the surroundings, making it ideal for training and monitoring.
The construction of the UAV training centre was handled by Paide MEK AS, a local company. Jaanus Lohu, a board member of the company, shared that the project was a valuable learning experience and stressed that more such facilities would benefit the region and the country's defence.
The development of this important centre was entirely funded by the government of Luxembourg, at a cost of around five million euros. The cooperation between Luxembourg and Estonia began in 2021 when the two countries’ defence ministries signed an agreement to support the project.
With this new centre, Estonia is taking an important step to modernise its defence forces and improve readiness in an increasingly technology-driven battlefield.
