New Air Defence Weapons System Added to Defence Force's Arsenal

According to the contract, concluded in February 2007, between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the weapon manufacturers MBDA France and SAAB AB, the first delivery of the new MISTRAL air defence weapons system arrived in Tallinn in the end of July.

The first consignment delivered to Estonia included firing equipment, training missiles, simulators and testing and maintenance equipment, required for using this equipment. The spare parts kit, necessary to keep the weapons system operable, was also delivered in July.

The training of Air Defence Battalion’s officers and non-commissioned officers will be started in September, using the delivered equipment. Training will be organised by MBDA and SAAB instructors and consists of two parts. The first training cycle will be taking place at Tapa Air Defence Battalion and the second in France.

The air defence system will be consisting of Giraffe AMB radars, command stations, communications equipment, air defence missile equipment, Mistral-missiles and training equipment. The purchased air defence system can be used to protect the infantry units from air attacks both at home and on international operations.

The offset requirement was exercised for the first time for this procurement. This requirement will be beneficial, above all, for Estonian enterprises and research institutions.

The next weapon system consignment is expected to arrive in the beginning of the next year.