The Estonian armed forces and the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) have started building anti-tank ditches along the country’s south-eastern border. The measures are part of the strategic Baltic Defence Line, which aims to stop potential military attacks within the first few meters of Estonian territory.
The trenches are being built in the municipality of Setomaa, in the immediate vicinity of the border with Russia. In future, they are to be embedded in a comprehensive defense zone – with accommodation modules, barriers, material depots and other military infrastructure.
Defense from the first line
“The construction of the Baltic Defense Line is progressing rapidly. Large quantities of barbed wire, trip wire, anti-tank barriers and modular T-wall blockades were delivered at the end of last year. We are currently preparing the tender for concrete bunkers – the first defense bases should be completed in the fall,” explains Armin Siilivask, project manager at ECDI.
The aim of the line of defense is to enable a rapid and effective response to an attack – together with allied forces. The defence zone is intended to help minimize losses of personnel and material and fend off attacks in their initial phase.
Provision in peacetime
Lieutenant Colonel Ainar Afanasjev, head of the engineering troops of the Estonian armed forces, emphasizes: “The anti-tank ditches are not being built because of a direct acute threat. But peacetime is the best time to prepare such measures. They strengthen our deterrence, ensure our initial response capability and create the conditions for the rapid deployment of mobilized main forces. At the same time, we are sending a clear signal: Estonia is ready to defend its independence.”
The construction work is being carried out in cooperation with the Police and Border Protection Agency (PPA) along those border strips that have already been cleared as part of the expansion of the eastern border. The area is to be kept clear not only for military purposes, but also for border police.
Dual benefit for security and migration control
Head of PPA Border Guard Veiko Kommusaar welcomes the measures: “Our main task at the border is to prevent cross-border crime and illegal migration. Even though Estonia has so far been spared the kind of organized migration attacks that our neighbouring countries have experienced, we cannot rule this out in the future. The anti-tank ditches set up by the armed forces would also make illegal border crossings more difficult in an emergency – and thus make an additional contribution to national security.”
Here for more news about the Estonian armed forces.
