Herem brings air defence expert Mati Tikerpuu on as adviser

Retired Colonel Mati Tikerpuu will become an adviser to Defence Minister Martin Herem in November, ERR reports. He will work on improving air alerts and public information about threats and ways to reduce their impact.

Herem said the public and providers of vital services need better information about risks and how to prepare, including by finding alternative locations, creating shelters and strengthening infrastructure. He described Tikerpuu as a high-level air defence specialist who has also commanded a brigade and can help advance the work quickly over the next six months.

Tikerpuu told ERR he would work full time, helping the minister make informed decisions. He said he had served in the defence forces for more than 30 years, spending over half that time in air defence.

Tikerpuu previously commanded the 2nd Infantry Brigade and worked for nearly a year as a communications and radar category manager at the State Defence Investment Centre, leaving in December last year. He is currently a development manager for the drone field at Kaitseliit.

He has served in the defence forces since 1997. Tikerpuu said he would not publicly discuss his development ideas at this stage.