The first bunkers are being installed in South-East Estonia

Last week, preparatory work began to install the first five bunkers in South-East Estonia as part of the creation of the Baltic Defence Line. In the next phase, another 23 bunkers will be constructed in the coming months. In total, up to 600 bunkers are planned to be installed in North-East and South-East Estonia by the end of 2027.

“It is a pleasure to note that, in addition to the obstacle systems already delivered, we are now seeing a new tangible addition in the form of bunkers in the creation of a comprehensive Baltic Defence Line,” said Kadi-Kai Kollo, Head of the Infrastructure Department at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI). According to her, 28 bunkers will be installed in the first phase. “After that, we will move on to the procurement and installation of the next 600 bunkers, which we aim to complete by the end of 2027 at the latest.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ainar Afanasjev, Chief Engineer at the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), noted that the careful selection of the locations for the bunkers and trenches was extremely important to ensure they align with the EDF’s defence plans and the specific characteristics of the terrain. “It is essential that these decisions are well thought out and coordinated with the units,” he added.

According to Afanasjev, the bunkers are primarily intended to protect personnel against direct hits from 152 mm artillery ammunition, which is widely used by the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

In the near future, construction is also set to begin on a 3.4-kilometre-long anti-tank trench. In total, up to 40 kilometres of anti-tank trenches are planned.

The comprehensive Baltic Defence Line will be completed by the end of 2027 at the latest.

Gallery (Hendrik Tali / ECDI): https://www.flickr.com/photos/199302158@N02/albums/72177720330995744/with/54989777151