Estonia has announced plans to purchase an additional 12 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers from France, which will increase its total fleet to 24 units by the end of this year. This decision comes as the Estonian Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, emphasizes the significance of strengthening defense cooperation between Estonia and France, particularly in the context of regional security. The collaboration aims to enhance Estonia's military capabilities amidst increasing regional tensions.

During a meeting in Brussels, the defense ministers of Estonia and France reaffirmed their commitment to renewing strategic defense cooperation. They celebrated the successful collaboration between their respective defense procurement agencies in advancing military readiness and capabilities. Pevkur expressed appreciation for France as a crucial partner in defense matters, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to address security challenges in the region.

The procurement of the CAESAR howitzers is part of Estonia's broader defense strategy to bolster its armed forces and improve operational effectiveness. With these additional assets, the Estonian military hopes to enhance its deterrence capabilities and contribute more effectively to collective defense efforts within NATO. The swift timeline for the delivery of the howitzers demonstrates the urgency and seriousness of Estonia's commitment to strengthening its defense posture in a volatile security environment.