Notes / ARES Group - The Armament Industry European Research Group 23 juin 2026 What Are the Main Drivers of Member States’ Defence Procurement Practices? The Estonian Case What Are the Main Drivers of Member States’ Defence Procurement Practices? The Estonian Case Citer Partager Imprimeren PDF Ajouter aux favoris Nele Loorents Research Fellow, International Centre for Defence and Security This article examines the evolution of Estonia’s defence procurement practices, especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
It argues that Estonia´s defence capability development remains firmly threat-driven and in line with NATO collective efforts. However, Russia´s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has accelerated timelines and reprioritised some of the defence articles such as ammunition, air defence and unmanned systems. Furthermore, there has been evident shift towards more dynamic and effect-driven acquisition models, and the growing emphasis on delivery speed and supply security, which requires a revaluation of established practices and structures that often prioritize rigidity and cost-effectiveness over agility and responsiveness.
The paper further explores the efforts to strengthen the domestic defence industrial base through localisation, innovation support and EU instruments, as well as the drivers and limitations of Baltic and EU-level joint procurement. Défense et Sécurité Europe