By: Suman Sharma
India and Estonia share modest yet steadily growing defence ties, built on common interests in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and addressing hybrid threats. As a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) member renowned for its advanced cyber capabilities and digital expertise, Estonia has found a synergistic partner in India, which is actively expanding its global defence and technological footprint.
Estonia, occupying the number two slot after Poland in defence spending among the NATO countries, also boasts of contributing three percent of its GDP towards defence capabilities. Estonia increased its defence budget from 2.01 percent in 2018 to 3.4 percent in 2024 and aims at a 3.7 percent in 2025.
As the Ukraine-Russia war completes its third year, India and Estonia are exploring a partnership to produce 155 mm ammunition, along with Howitzers and armoured vehicles as India positions itself as a defence exporter and a manufacturing hub.
With Indian private defence manufacturers like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Kalyani Group eyeing the Estonian market, in addition to the artillery shells, the option of establishing an artillery manufacturing line is also being considered. Europe has largely been dependent on precision-guided weapons and air warfare, over artillery ammunition production, but now, the European Union (EU) is significantly expanding its production capacity. Efforts to boost 155 mm shell production in Europe are finally yielding results.
Key areas of cooperation between both the nations
155 MM Ammunition:
India seeks to establish itself as a global hub for 155 mm artillery ammunition, supplying over 75 armies around the world. This partnership will provide Indian companies with access to NATO markets, long-term contracts, and a stronger foothold in the global defence supply chain. The average cost of a 155 mm shell is approximately US$ 5,000. The standard 155 mm howitzer in the US military has a maximum range of 14 miles, while a rocket-assisted 155 mm shell can extend the range to nearly 18 miles.
Calling the India-Estonia defence partnership highly productive, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur said, “We are looking at opening the procedure (155 mm ammunition deal tender) in February 2025”, adding that this collaboration goes beyond just ammunition; it also includes the production of howitzers and armoured vehicles.
Indian private and Govt-owned defence manufacturers like Bharat Forge Ltd., Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd (ADSTL), Economic Explosives Ltd, Premier Explosives, Munitions India Ltd and SMPP Ltd, will team up with foreign partners for the mass production of approximately 2000 155 mm TGMs (terminally guided munitions), with one half of indigenous content, for the Indian Army’s 155 mm artillery guns of 39/45/52 calibre.
Estonia’s Vegvisir – MKU Ltd MRSAS MoU
Earlier this year, Estonia’s Vegvisir and Indian private defence manufacturer, Kanpur-based MKU Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce Vegvisir’s advanced mixed reality situational awareness systems (MRSAS) to India. This collaboration aims to equip over 10,000 Indian armoured vehicles, including Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), with cutting-edge technologies.
THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)
Estonia’s Milrem through their Indian partner Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) have introduced the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), now in service with the Indian Army, as confirmed by Ajay Bhatt, the Minister of State for Defence, in the Indian Parliament.
Purchased under the Army’s emergency procurement powers, though numbers are unclear, but reports suggest that, the Indian Army’s requirement has been for over 700 ‘autonomous combat vehicles’ with capabilities similar to those of THeMIS. THeMIS is in use presently in the Ukrainian war. Whether it could be equipped with weapons, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said that equipping platforms depended on what customers wanted.
Raksha Rajya University (RRU) and Estonian CybExer Partnersship
The Gujarat-based RRU and Estonia’s CybExer signed a partnership contract in 2023 for training of the Indian Government sector in cyber defence. RRU has been sending its representatives to Estonia to participate in the cyber defence exercise- Cyber Defence Marvel, using the cyber range platform- CR14, developed by the NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), in Tallinn.
India’s engagement with NATO allies, including Estonia, is expanding as it seeks to strengthen its global security partnerships. In future, enhanced collaboration in joint exercises and training programs in cybersecurity appear imminent, thereby bolstering defence ties.
While the defence relationship is currently in a nascent stage, it holds significant potential for growth, particularly in cybersecurity and technology domains. Both nations stand to benefit from leveraging each other’s strengths to address shared security challenges.
About the Author
Suman Sharma is a former instructor from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and has been a journalist for almost two decades in various respectable national and international media houses, covering and reporting on security, strategy, military diplomacy and international relations. She has won numerous national and international awards including the Great Women Achievers award.
