Estonian MoD: NATO faces shortage of air defence systems against ballistic missiles
All NATO states are facing a shortage of air defence systems to defend against ballistic missiles, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told the ERR broadcaster on Monday.
ERR cited an interview between Pevkur and the chairman of the country’s state defence commission, Kalev Stoicesku. They said, among other things, that it is critical for NATO countries to strengthen air defence capabilities.
Earlier, Pevkur said Estonia could increase its defence spending to 5% of GDP on the basis of NATO’s new defence plan to boost military power.
‘The deficit that is actually a big problem for all NATO countries is ballistic missile defence capability, that is, the ability to shoot down missiles at an altitude of up to 20 kilometres and at a distance of 150-200 kilometres,’ ERR quoted Pevkur as saying.
Earlier, Pevkur said Estonia could increase its defence spending to 5% of GDP on the basis of NATO’s new defence plan to boost military power.
In May, the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the alliance’s defence plans, reported that NATO countries have only 5% of the air defence systems needed to defend their eastern flank.
