Estonia to purchase anti-drone radar systems from Hungary

TALLINN - The Estonian Center for Defense Investments (RKIK) has signed a contract with Hungarian defense company Pro Patria Electronics to purchase passive radar systems designed to enhance the detection of low-flying objects like drones.

The passive radar systems developed by Hungarian engineers allow air targets to be detected and tracked without them emitting detectable signals themselves.

RKIK confirmed the procurement of radars from the Hungarian company, but remained tight-lipped about the characteristics of the equipment and other details related to the procurement.

"Yes, it is true that we purchased radars from a Hungarian company. The cost of the contract, the number, location and capacity of the radars are not public information. We can add that in the near future we will cover all of Estonia with the ability to detect low-flying objects and we will also cooperate with the Police and Border Guard Board in this regard," Krismar Rosin, spokesperson for the RKIK, said.

The experience of the war in Ukraine shows that drones have proven to be very effective weapons in modern combat, so drone detection systems are critical in ensuring defense capabilities.

Hungarians consider the Estonians' choice in favor of Pro Patria Electronics to be a significant milestone in Hungary's defense export sector.

Géza Szathmári, CEO of Pro Patria Electronics, said that this contract not only represents a substantial contribution to Hungary's defense exports but also demonstrates the high quality and competitiveness of the state's technology on the international stage.

"We are immensely proud to bring 100 percent Hungarian innovation to the Baltic region," Szathmári added.

The British Ministry of Defense has also previously purchased radars from the Hungarian company, with Estonia being the second largest buyer of the same company's products. While Estonia is keeping the technical specifications and quantities of the radars it is purchasing secret, the British have announced that in 2023 they purchased 90 PGSR-3i Beagle type portable ground reconnaissance radars from Pro Patria Electronics, in addition to 40 other radar systems.

The PGSR-3i Beagle is a lightweight portable radar that can be set up in the field in five minutes if necessary. The device is capable of operating independently, but it can also be integrated with other systems. The PGSR-3i Beagle has a working range of up to 40 kilometers and the device withstands harsh weather conditions well. Portable radars can be easily installed even in terrain that is difficult to access by vehicles. The maintenance costs of the devices are relatively low. According to the Hungarian Ministry of Defense, the PGSR-3i Beagle has proven itself to be an effective system on the battlefield.

RKIK recently announced an investment plan for 2025-2029, totaling 7.9 billion euros. One billion of this is earmarked for the procurement of radars and communication systems.