Estonia eyes Ukrainian weapons despite export ban, explores joint ventures

Defense Express reports.

Ukraine's defense industry currently has far greater production capabilities than the nation's budget can support for equipping its own armed forces. As a result, lifting the export ban has become a pressing issue, as it would enable defense companies to expand production, enhance their products, and leverage foreign orders to unlock their full potential. 

This topic is being discussed both in Ukraine and abroad. For example, in October, Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated Tallinn’s interest in Ukrainian arms and proposed establishing joint ventures in Estonia as a workaround for the export ban. He specifically highlighted long-range missiles, possibly referencing Ukraine's Neptune system, noting their affordability and battlefield-proven effectiveness.  

Estonia remains keen on Ukrainian weapons and hopes to negotiate agreements that would simplify procurement despite the ban. Estonian Defense Ministry spokesperson Eleka Rugam-Rebane emphasized the value and combat-tested quality of Ukrainian arms, stating that mutual agreements could overcome the ban, benefiting both countries' defense industries.  

Ukraine and Estonia already collaborate on defense projects. Recently, Ukraine's Armed Forces agreed to test an Estonian air defense missile developed by Frankenburg Technologies. If successful, this could lead to localized production in Ukraine.