Estonia champions Baltic blockade strategy amidst Russian threat

According to a report cited by Interfax, the commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Gen. Martin Herem, has expressed support for the idea of blocking the Baltic Sea. He suggests collaboration with Poland, Sweden, and Finland to achieve this objective.

"Our naval capabilities have seen significant expansion. Currently, our Navy is equipped with sea mines and anti-submarine missiles. In collaboration with Poland, Sweden, and Finland, which have recently joined NATO, we aim to achieve a crucial goal: potentially blocking the Baltic Sea," – Herem stated, as quoted in the latest bulletin from the Defence Forces.

He further explained, "This strategy significantly reduces the likelihood of the aggressor deploying naval and air defences in the Baltic Sea. Such a move would enable us to provide allied air and naval support."

Herem highlighted that Estonia has bolstered the defensive capabilities of its land forces, enhancing its anti-tank and anti-aircraft capacities.

The country is also in the process of acquiring large-calibre ammunition. It plans to introduce more self-propelled howitzers, armoured personnel carriers, medium-range air defence systems, and several missile launchers within the next two years.

However, Herem cautions that these steps might not suffice in deterring potential threats.

"Our capabilities and those of our allies could prevent an occupation, but they might fall short of deterring routine military aggression that leads to destabilization. We must continue to adapt and make tough decisions," – he concluded.

"Revanchist Russia aims to alter the European security architecture to regain control over territories it has lost and to extend its influence over areas formerly under the dominion of the Russian Empire and the USSR. It also seeks to widen its anti-Western front against countries that have successfully integrated with the West or are on track to do so," – he cautioned in the report.