Estonian defense minister warns of retaliatory strikes against Russian territory if Russia attacks Baltic states.
Estonia’s Long-Range Capabilities
The range of available systems means key Russian targets – including St. Petersburg, Pskov, or bases of the Baltic Fleet – are within range of Estonian launchers.
Estonia’s Retaliation Strategy
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, in an interview with British newspaper “The Telegraph,” left no doubt about his country’s deterrence strategy.
He emphasized that if Russia decides to use missiles against Baltic states, Estonia will be ready to respond with retaliatory strikes deep into enemy territory.
The goal would be to shift military operations to the territory of the Russian Federation through attacks on key military infrastructure.
Military Modernization
This declaration is not just political rhetoric. Estonia has in recent years been intensively modernizing its armed forces, investing in systems enabling precise strikes at long distances.
This strategy results from the growing military threat from Russia and experiences from the war in Ukraine, where ballistic missiles and long-range artillery played a key role in the first phase of the conflict.
Russian Missile Threats
The immediate threat to Estonia comes from Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile launchers deployed near its borders.
One of the key bases is located in the Luga area of the Leningrad region, approximately 150-200 km from the Estonian border. The 26th Rocket Brigade has been equipped with Iskander systems since 2011.
Iskander-M missiles have a range of about 500 km, meaning they can targets throughout Estonia, but also in Poland.
NATO’s Role
Russia must consider not only Estonia’s military capabilities, but also those of all of NATO. Finland, which joined the Alliance in 2023, is particularly significant.
NATO’s strategy is based on the principle of deterrence through the ability to respond immediately.
During the Northern Strike 25-2 exercises in November 2025, NATO tested the ability to move missile launchers in the region.