Kuusk, 48, was Estonia's ambassador to Ukraine between 2019-2023 and led the Foreign Intelligence Service for almost a decade before that.

Pevkur said the current geopolitical situation puts exceptionally high demands on the role.

He said Kuusk's ambassadorial work in Ukraine was an important factor in the decision because Estonia must learn lessons from the full-scale invasion and use them to strengthen defense.

"Both the personal contacts established in Ukraine and the experience gained in Lithuania, for example, in the development of the defense industry, will certainly contribute to the development of Estonian national defense as well. The fact that Kaimo Kuusk has all the necessary clearances to work with state secrets is not insignificant, because right now the Permanent Secretary must be ready to immediately contribute 100 percent to the functioning of the ministry," the minister said in a statement.

Kuusk said contributing to national defense motivated him to apply for the position. He wants to prioritize developing a good working atmosphere.

"One person can win a duel, but wars are won by teams. I know that the ministry employs a lot of top specialists in their field, together with whom we will deliver the necessary results and meet the expectations placed on us," he said.

Kuusk will replace Kusti Salm, who leaves later this summer. He resigned citing government inaction over defense spending.

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