Recent Military Investments and Purchases in the Baltic States
In 1948's "The Rising Storm," Churchill penned down:
Over the past year (August 2024 to August 2025), the Baltic states have made significant strides in modernising their defence capabilities. Here's a closer look at the military investments and equipment purchases made by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania during this period.
Estonia
Estonia has committed over €10 billion to modernise its defence capabilities over the next four years. This substantial investment includes funding for the Estonian Defence League, improvements in infrastructure, live-fire training facilities, and significant investments in ammunition stockpiles [2].
In terms of equipment, Estonia has procured M142 HIMARS launchers, NMS protected 4x4s from Nurol Makina, and ARMA 6x6s from Otokar. The country also plans to replace its CV90 vehicle fleet [2]. Additionally, the Estonian Defence Forces received additional CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, with a total of 12 units contracted, including an option for future purchases [3].
Lithuania
Lithuania plans to allocate up to €30 million to purchase Patriot air defense complexes for Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to Ukraine's defence [1]. Furthermore, Lithuania has been investing in infrastructure for U.S. troops stationed in the country, with plans to open new bases [1].
In terms of equipment, Lithuania has purchased several key assets. These include Self-propelled howitzers PzH 2000, Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles (Boxer), Leopard 2A8 tanks, ammunition for Carl-Gustaf systems, and light weapons such as FN MINIMI 7.62 MK3 [1].
Latvia
While there is no specific information available about Latvia's military equipment purchases during this period, it's worth noting that Latvia, like Estonia and Lithuania, allocates a quarter percent of its GDP annually to support Ukraine.
Modern Warfare: Drones and Robots
In modern warfare, drones and robots are increasingly prominent. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are used for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and combat. They offer several advantages, including flexibility, stealth, and the ability to conduct missions without risking human lives. Their use is common in both military surveillance and precision strikes.
Robots, particularly ground robots, are less prevalent in combat but are used for tasks such as bomb disposal, mine clearing, and reconnaissance. They are valuable for reducing casualties in high-risk environments and can be designed to perform specialized tasks with precision.
While drones are more widely integrated into military operations, robots are primarily used for support roles, and both are becoming essential components of modern military strategy.
Sources: [1] BBC News (2025) Lithuania to buy Patriot air defence complexes for Ukraine. [Online] Available at: www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63164297 [2] Defence News (2025) Estonia's military modernization efforts get a boost from new equipment purchases. [Online] Available at: www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/02/17/estonia-s-military-modernization-efforts-get-a-boost-from-new-equipment-purchases/ [3] Jane's International Defence Review (2025) Estonia orders additional CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. [Online] Available at: www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/estonia-orders-additional-caesar-self-propelled-howitzers
This article is for informational purposes only and does not represent any political or military affiliations.
Technology plays a significant role in the modernization of the Baltic states' military capabilities, with Estonia investing in advanced systems such as M142 HIMARS launchers, ARMA 6x6s, and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers [2]. Similarly, Lithuania has purchased sophisticated equipment like Self-propelled howitzers PzH 2000 and Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles (Boxer) [1]. These technologies are instrumental in shaping modern warfare strategies, especially for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, combat, bomb disposal, and mine clearing, as drones and robots become increasingly prevalent in various military operations.
