Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has announced his intention to change the military assistance provided to Ukraine so that it is dominated by products from Estonian companies. Currently, the needs of Ukraine are being clarified, Suspilne reports.
According to ERR, it is noted that this year Estonia has provided Ukraine with military assistance in the amount of about 100 million euros, which corresponds to 0.25% of Estonia’s gross domestic product (GDP). The assistance is planned to continue in the coming years, but its structure will be changed.
We are embarking on a completely new course. We told Ukraine that we will give them what we produce and will obviously channel this money into the Estonian economy and the Estonian defense industry. That is why we are negotiating with the Ukrainians about our capabilities, – said Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
According to him, the Estonian defense industry can produce products worth more than 100 million euros a year. But now the needs of Ukraine are being clarified in order to adapt the products to these needs.
Do they want demining, shipbuilding, drones, surveillance devices, etc. We have provided Ukraine with information about our capabilities and are now trying to find a reasonable compromise that takes into account their priorities and our production capabilities.
Production should also be quickly brought up to speed if any specific products are needed, – the Defense Minister said.
It is known that after receiving the list of Ukrainian priorities, it is planned to organize public tenders. According to Pevkur, all Estonian companies that produce the necessary products could participate in them.
