Reimagining Defence: Architecting Estonia’s Force Management for the Uneasy Future

Abstract

This paper examines the Estonian Defence Forces’ evolution from 1992 to 2023, during which the defence budget expanded over 100-fold, from just under $12 million to beyond $1.4 billion. This financial growth signifies an increased commitment to national defence but presents acquisition and force management challenges. Through analyzing the development of Estonia’s defence enterprise and the country’s experiences, this article outlines how Estonia is refining its defence resource management by developing a cohesive acquisition system. It highlights Estonia’s progress towards sectoral maturity, confronting challenges unseen in the initial development phase. By incorporating the author’s experience and proposals, the article aims to enrich the discourse on defence management. The findings underscore the importance of adaptable systems in maintaining defence capabilities amid rapid expansion, providing valuable lessons for similar transformations worldwide.