Estonia plans around 150 bunkers near Russian border

Estonia plans to build around 150 bunkers in Ida-Virumaa, a northeastern region bordering Russia, Defence Minister Martin Herem said Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, citing Estonian public broadcaster ERR, about 100 bunkers will be built on state-owned land and approximately 50 on private or municipal land. Herem did not provide further details about the bunkers or their intended use.

The plan comes as the Baltic states have stepped up defence measures and civilian preparedness in recent years amid heightened security concerns. NATO officials have warned of Russian drone incursions, airspace violations, sabotage and other hybrid threats across the region. European countries have also been strengthening their air defences in response to growing security challenges.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO has reinforced its eastern flank by deploying additional troops and preparing a rapid-response plan.

Earlier this month, Estonia’s military announced plans to permanently relocate a combat-ready brigade closer to the Russian border. The 1st Brigade is set to move to a newly expanded military base less than 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the border, a move intended to improve Estonia’s ability to respond to a potential Russian attack.