Minister of Defence Awards Service Cross to Outgoing RKIK Director Magnus-Valdemar Saar

Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur has awarded the Class II Service Cross of the Ministry of Defence to Magnus-Valdemar Saar in recognition of his long-standing and effective contribution to the development of national defence and his leadership of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI).

“Magnus’s firm and determined leadership at ECDI has contributed to ensuring that the development of Estonia’s defence capabilities is purposeful, transparent, and up to date. Under his leadership, ECDI has become one of the leading defence procurement agencies in Europe, with expertise that is respected beyond our borders. The Service Cross is a tribute to his dedication and work, the impact of which is hard to overestimate,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

Magnus-Valdemar Saar has been a key advocate for a systematic and transparent approach to national defence procurement. Under his leadership, the planning and implementation of defence-related procurements have significantly improved, and cooperation with allies and the private sector has been strengthened. Having worked in the defence sector for more than two decades, Saar took over as head of ECDI in 2021 and has played a central role in the execution of major procurements — from the development of training grounds to the largest arms and ammunition acquisitions in the history of the Estonian Defence Forces.

The Ministry of Defence Service Cross was established in 1999 and is awarded to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the advancement of Estonia’s national defence.