Estonia Seeks Three to Four Times More US Missiles Amid $70 Billion NATO Defense Spending Surge

Oct 9, 2024, 05:04 AM

Estonia is seeking to significantly increase its procurement of long-range missiles from the United States, aiming to buy three to four times more than before, according to the country's military procurement chief. This move comes as NATO's eastern members, including Poland and Estonia, ramp up their defense spending in response to heightened security concerns due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. NATO's Eastern defense spending has reached $70 billion, reflecting a broader trend among member countries to bolster their military capabilities relative to the size of their economies. Estonia, along with other neighboring countries, has also expanded conscription efforts as part of their preparation for potential conflict, a trend that has accelerated since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.