Estonia signs contract for coastal defense system acquisition
On Wednesday, Estonia signed a contract with Singaporean-Israeli company Proteus Advanced Systems for the purchase of Blue Spear 5G coastal shore-to-ship defense rockets. Neither party will publish the cost and number of rocket systems in the purchase.
The mobile coastal defense system is set to cover Estonia's entire coastline. Along with naval mines acquired this summer, the rocket system will create a complex solution for coastal defense.
"This weapon system substantially improves our coastal defense and sends a clear message that we are contributing to the regional and collective defense effort. This is one of the most complex and high-tech weapon systems of all time and a huge leap forward for the Estonian Defense Forces. I am very glad that Estonia has a defense industry capable of participating in such high-tech projects," said Minister of Defense Kalle Laanet (Reform).
The contract also includes cooperation opportunities for Estonian companies in the defense industry.
The coastal defense rocket system will be made by Proteus Advanced Systems, which is a joint company between Israel Aerospace Industries and Singaporean company ST Engineering Land Systems.
"We are proud to be selected to equip the Estonian Defence Forces with the advanced Blue Spear missiles. We greatly value this opportunity and look forward to deepen our cooperation with the Estonian Defence Forces," said Proteus Advanced Systems' general manager Ron Tryfus.
The government approved funding for the rocket system last year.
"We are glad we were able to reach an agreement this fast. There were many competitive and attractive offers in the procurement, the winner was chosen based on evaluation criteria, which consisted of acquisition cost, life cycle costs, local industry involvement and shipping time," said Defense Investment Center (RKIK) air and naval category head Asko Kivinuk.
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Editor: Kristjan Kallaste