Polish F-16 intercepts drone over Estonia

In May, a Polish F-16 fighter jet shot down an attack drone that had entered Estonian airspace as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. The drone posed a risk to civilians, prompting the intervention.

Estonia lacks combat aircraft

Estonia, like its Baltic neighbors, primarily relies on NATO for airspace protection. It currently has no combat aircraft except for two L-39 "Albatros" planes, which are used for training air traffic controllers.

Defense minister considers acquiring light combat aircraft

Estonian Defense Minister Martin Herem, speaking to The Baltic Sentinel in October, suggested the need to purchase light combat aircraft to intercept drones with evolving capabilities, citing the limitations of current training aircraft.

Latvia explores options for drone interception

Latvia is also considering acquiring light attack aircraft. Colonel Viesturs Masulis, commander of Latvia’s air force, has advocated for the A-29 Super Tucano from Embraer, which is capable of intercepting certain types of drones.

A-29 Super Tucano equipped for anti-drone warfare

Embraer announced last year that it is developing anti-drone capabilities for the A-29, including features like data links for target coordinates, electro-optical/infrared turrets, and guided rockets.

Estonia prefers air-to-air missiles for drone defense

Herem stated that the most effective way to shoot down drones is with an air-to-air missile. He questioned whether turbo-propeller aircraft like the A-29 would be sufficient and suggested that light jets might be necessary.

L-39 could be upgraded for drone hunting

Estonia’s current L-39 aircraft, used for training, may be upgraded. Aero Vodochody and Thales Belgium recently signed a memorandum of understanding to transform the L-39 "Skyfox" into a low-cost drone hunter capable of firing 70 mm laser-guided rockets.

Estonia shifts funds to air defense

In April, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur suspended a program to acquire infantry combat vehicles, redirecting 500 million euros toward enhancing surveillance, air defense, and anti-drone capabilities.