Estonia to Jointly Acquire Mistral Missile Systems and Missiles with Four EU Countries

Estonia, together with France, Belgium, Cyprus, and Hungary, has signed a joint procurement contract for the purchase of Mistral short-range air defence missile systems. Estonia is primarily replenishing its ammunition stocks.

At the signing held at the international defence industry exhibition "Eurosatory 2024" in Paris, Magnus-Valdemar Saar, the Director General of the Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), stated that in many ways, this is a significant procurement. "Firstly, it is rare for so many EU member states to jointly procure something; secondly, it is a clear proof that the complex international security situation has significantly strengthened alliance ties and increased cooperation."

“Meeting our Allies’ needs, the Mistral joint acquisition between Belgium, Hungary, Cyprus, Estonia and France, and initiated by the Direction Générale de l’Armement, constitutes a cost effective solution for all EU countries looking for an efficient very short air defence capability.” stated General Gaël Diaz De Tuesta, the French National Armaments Director (Direction générale de l’armement, DGA).

The Mistral air defence missile system has been part of the Estonian Defence Forces' arsenal for years. "The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of air defence, including short-range air defence. Our military's experience shows that it is a very capable weapon system. Past live firings have essentially achieved a one hundred percent hit rate on aerial targets," said Ramil Lipp, Armament Strategic Category Manager at ECDI.

The new Mistral missile systems and missiles will be delivered to Estonia over the next three years.