In recent years, the unmanned loitering munition market has witnessed significant expansion owing to technological advancements and a growing need for accurate, efficient, and affordable military capabilities.
Continuing this trend, in May 2023, Estonia entered into a contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to acquire cutting-edge long-range loitering munitions.
As per the BIS Research report, the global unmanned loitering munition market is projected to reach $1.83 billion by 2033 from $1.06 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.45% during the forecast period 2023-2033.
Israel Aerospace Industries is renowned for manufacturing a range of loitering weapon systems, with the Harop being the most notable example, as it played a significant role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict while being utilized by Azerbaijan. To meet the increasing demand for such systems, Estonia has taken a significant stride in bolstering its defense sector.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Eastern European nations, including Estonia, have been enhancing their military capabilities due to concerns regarding Moscow's actions.
Hanno Pevkur stated that “The inclusion of long-range loitering munitions significantly enhances Estonia's defense capabilities. Given the destructive impact of Russia's indirect fire in Ukraine.”
The ability to engage the enemy from a greater distance offers a layered and flexible approach, expanding the range of fire and enabling precise strikes on critical targets for the defense forces. Estonia is planning to possess a diverse range of capabilities, including extended-range artillery ammunition, anti-ship missiles, and multiple launch rocket systems, enabling the country to exert influence on adversaries from significant distances.
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