Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia, says the country is turning its national drone roadmap into practical results. Approved by the Estonian government in June, the national roadmap brings together regulation, testing, public sector demand, industrial development, surveillance, counter-drone capabilities, research and skills development under one framework. It is supported by a detailed action plan setting out activities, responsible institutions, partners and deadlines through 2030.
Among other measures, Estonia is developing a nationwide drone surveillance and counter-drone system designed to combine information from different authorities and relevant infrastructure operators to improve situational awareness, establish clear procedures for responding to drone threats and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and essential services.
Legislation that entered into force in July clarified the roles of the Estonian Defence Forces, the Police and Border Guard Board and other authorities in detecting and countering unmanned aircraft in peacetime. Further regulatory changes are currently being prepared to make the testing and use of counter-drone technologies easier.
A EUR 23.8 million defence-industry product-development programme offers companies up to EUR 3 million per project, with drone technologies, unmanned vehicles, counter-drone technologies and electronic-warfare solutions among the focus areas.
A separate Public Sector Innovation Fund round dedicated to drones and artificial intelligence attracted 31 proposals worth a combined EUR 36.3 million. Projects already underway include the development of a digital unmanned aviation map and medical logistics drones.
Another initiative now taking shape under the roadmap is a pilot for an electromagnetic compatibility and electronic warfare innovation centre at Kiltsi. The aim is to create a controlled environment where uncrewed technologies can be tested under electromagnetic interference conditions.
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Image: Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia (Government of Estonia)
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