An Estonian defence analyst has cautioned that the country's new military development plans could turn into a list of expensive capabilities it cannot afford to run, ERR News reports. Meelis Oidsalu said pre-election pressure risked encouraging purchases such as large naval vessels, missile defence and new aircraft without enough thought for long-term upkeep, comparing the mood in the sector to Christmas.
He argued that so-called trophy capabilities could drain money from more urgent needs such as ammunition stocks and the ability to sustain combat for longer. Defence Minister Martin Herem said on Tuesday that the threat from Russia could grow if the war in Ukraine ends, so some capabilities may need to be built quickly. He later said he did not expect Estonia to buy more than it could maintain.
Source: ERR News