The clearing work in the infrastructure area of the Loodava Pärnumaa defense industry park in Estonia is nearing completion, with around 40 hectares of forest having been cleared out of a total area of over 200 hectares earmarked for the future industrial park. The clearing is being funded by the defense industry companies themselves, according to Steven Linkov, the Western Portfolio Manager at the Defense Investment Center (RKIK). This park is being developed to facilitate defense industry activities and will include supporting infrastructure such as administration buildings and storage facilities.

So far, contracts have been signed with two of the four companies that will establish their production facilities in the area. The second phase of the project is expected to commence in the fall when these companies begin constructing their manufacturing buildings. Linkov emphasized that while the companies cover the clearing costs, the remaining work on the area is managed by the State Forest Management Centre (RMK), which operates under a contract with the Ministry of Defense, ensuring that all revenue generated from the forest management goes back into standard forestry practices by RMK.

This initiative signifies Estonia's strategic move towards bolstering its defense capabilities through enhancing its local defense industry. The development of the Loodava Pärnumaa park aligns with national security priorities and presents opportunities for economic growth within the region, promising to attract further investment and potentially create new jobs in the defense sector as these companies establish themselves in the area.