The memorandum sets a roadmap for joint defense production and industry integration. Officials say practical steps will follow, with industry teams starting collaborations soon.
The Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and Estonia – their names: Mykhailo Fedorov and Hanno Pevkur – signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at expanding defense-industries cooperation between the two countries.
According to official statements from the defense ministries of both states, the document launches the process of integrating defense sectors and outlines a roadmap for joint production of defense products.
Following the signing, the parties outlined prospects for collaboration in production and development of defense-industrial capabilities and assured that there is substantial work ahead to implement the plan.
“An important direction of our potential cooperation and the building of win-win relations is the joint production of products. We signed a memorandum that essentially starts this process of integrating our defense industries. There is still a lot of work ahead to implement this plan, but the first step has been taken, and I am confident that in the near future we will see the first results of this cooperation.”
– said the Ukrainian Minister of Defense
Financial Contributions and Prospects of Cooperation
Fedorov noted that Estonia is one of the leaders in helping Ukraine, particularly through the share of GDP allocated to support.
“Estonia has already contributed and announced for this year 0.25% of its GDP for military aid to our country; this is about €110 million. This is not just a contribution to the security of our country, but to the security of the entire region, to the security of Europe.”
– said the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
The head of the defense ministry also expressed gratitude to the Government of Estonia for a contribution to the PURL program amounting to 13 million dollars, which allows Ukraine to continue receiving anti-ballistic missiles from American partners to protect critical infrastructure and the civilian population.
“We know that combat experience is the best experience. And therefore I truly hope that we will be able to very quickly move to the Build with Ukraine initiative and begin joint production of many drones. Regarding artillery… I am glad to say that we have signed a contract with one large manufacturer who is also ready to produce for Ukraine if necessary.”
– Hanno Pevkur
The Estonian minister noted that sustained support for Ukraine at the level of 0.25% of GDP is the minimum, and expressed hope that the Estonian government will raise it to 0.35%.
“Probably, this year it will be about 0.35%, and if that happens, or if everyone does the same, then you will have around 120-130 billion to defend your country.”
– said Pevkur
According to the results of the Estonia-Ukraine Defense Industry Forum, which recently drew hundreds of participants, there was a confirmed uptick in interest from companies in both countries in joint cooperation. Pevkur noted the increasing presence of Ukrainian and Estonian companies at the event and expressed hope for further mutually beneficial cooperation, including Ukrainian companies entering the Estonian market.
In summary, both sides confirmed their intention to continue close cooperation and to develop the defense-industrial potential of both countries to enhance regional and European security.