Herem says Estonia needs light fighters to counter drones

Estonia needs about 10 light fighter aircraft to intercept jet-powered attack drones if necessary, Defence Minister Martin Herem said, according to ERR. The aircraft could cost between 15 million and 100 million euros each, depending on their generation, while maintenance would add to the expense.

Two Czech L-39 light fighter aircraft have been used for training in Estonia for 15 years. Herem said smaller jet-powered aircraft, whether crewed or uncrewed, could take on the task of countering attack drones. He said crewed aircraft are a proven option, while Estonia has less experience with uncrewed aircraft.

Former air force commander Vello Loemaa said light fighters could also be used against loitering drones. He said they could target drones travelling at speeds of just over 100 to 600 kilometres per hour.

Estonia has pilots for light fighters, but they have not been trained to hit aerial targets, Loemaa said. The necessary expertise could be developed, but the specific skill of engaging targets in the air is currently lacking. Training a squadron of about 10 aircraft would take one or two years.

Herem said the aircraft could be acquired within four years, or sooner, although the source and timing of a purchase and where the aircraft would be based have not been decided. He said they could perform tasks for which Estonia has no good alternative.

The air force has included fighter aircraft in its plans for decades. Loemaa said costs and weak lobbying had held back acquisition. He also cited a lack of expertise, and said cooperation among the Baltic states had previously led to the creation of BALTRON, while plans for a joint air squadron known as Baltwing had stalled because of a lack of resources and shared plans.