'Through its experience resisting Russia’s large-scale invasion, Ukraine has built one of the world’s most competitive defence industries,’ Michal stated.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have formalized a new pact to enhance collaboration on drones, military technologies, and the defence sector. This move reflects European allies’ intent to integrate Kyiv’s frontline expertise more effectively.
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The agreement, signed on Tuesday during the NATO summit in Ankara, aims to strengthen ties between the Estonian and Ukrainian defence industries. It includes sharing expertise in areas such as drone technology, cybersecurity, IT, and military innovations.
Michal emphasized that “Ukraine has developed one of the most competitive defence industries worldwide” through its conflict with Russia, suggesting that increased cooperation “will enhance our defence capacities, support the defence sector, and benefit Ukraine.”
He noted that defence products had “long been restricted by stringent export limitations.” However, under this pact, Ukraine “is prepared” to export defence products to Estonia, a Baltic nation with a population of 1.3 million, while Estonia may acquire Ukrainian-developed solutions or partner with Ukrainian firms on co-produced systems adapted for the Estonian Defence Forces.
“For Estonia, maximizing combat capability per euro is crucial, and whenever feasible, local manufacturing is preferred,” he added.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur explained that the agreement would facilitate the launch of joint production ventures in Estonia and Ukraine, with Kyiv granting the necessary export permissions for selected technologies.
The Estonian government clarified that the agreement does not entail any immediate financial obligations for the state.
This initiative comes as European nations increasingly pursue deeper defence-industrial partnerships with Ukraine, particularly in drone technology, electronic warfare, and battlefield systems—areas where Ukrainian companies have acquired substantial war-time experience countering Russia.