Estonian Defence League receives drones purchased by Reservists’ Fund

The Defence League has received 20 attack drones and four reconnaissance drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras purchased by the Reservists' Fund for national defence and drone operator training. This spring, several Estonian companies launched a wide range of digital camouflage products, with a portion of the proceeds used to support Estonian reservists and national defence.

"The deployment and development of drones in the Russian war in Ukraine has skyrocketed over the past two years, and this trend is continuing. I am grateful to the Estonian people and companies who have supported the Reservists' Fund, through which we can expand drone operator training and improve the skills of both reservists and members of the Defence League," said Major General Ilmar Tamm, Commander of the Defence League.

In total, four DJI Mavic3 thermal imaging drones and 20 Quadix Stellar attack drones were purchased for the Defence League in this first instance of using the donations received so far to the Reservists' Fund. In addition, the necessary control and ground station systems, rechargeable batteries and licences to use the equipment will be purchased. The total value of this equipment is €48,000, with plans to acquire more drones in the near future as donations to the fund increase.

"Participating Estonian companies have created an opportunity for every person in our country to make a small but important contribution to national defence by consuming various digital camouflage products, or by joining such initiatives as Coop Bank's Kaardivägi scheme. The joint efforts of the Reservists' Fund and the National Defence Promotion Foundation contribute to a broad-based improvement of national defence, including training and equipment for reservists and increased cohesion," said Mait Palts, Head of the National Defence Promotion Foundation. He added that the handover of the first drones is an example of how even small contributions can bring about big achievements that directly strengthen our security.

Thanks to the key partners of the Reservists' Fund, who have launched various digital camouflage products and supported the fund with proceeds from their sales, over 60,000 euros has been raised, and more drones will be purchased for the Defence League in the near future. In addition, the Reservists' Fund finances scholarships for training reserve officers, the development of cohesion and the recognition of the best reservists and reserve units.

The Reservists' Fund is supported by the following companies through the production of goods with digital camouflage: A le Coq, Apotheka, Balbiino AS, Coop Pank, Goldtime, Linnamäe Lihatööstus and Nordic Milk (Tere piim).

The Reservists' Fund was established jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the National Defence Promotion Foundation to provide all Estonian people and companies with an additional opportunity to support our country's core defence asset, the reservists, thus strengthening Estonia's defence capability.

Donations to the fund are exempt from income tax:

Recipient: Riigikaitse Edendamise Sihtasutus

EE704204278634045502

Registry code: 90008494

Additional information: [email protected]

Photos: Reservväelaste Fondi poolt soetatud droonide üleandmine Kaitseliidule 30.10.2024 | Kaitseväe pildigalerii