The Estonian Ministry of Defense has decided to procure long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems capable of intercepting ballistic and non-ballistic threats at ranges over 100 km and altitudes up to 20 km.
Currently, three contenders are being considered: the American Patriot, the French-Italian SAMP/T, and the Israeli David’s Sling SAM systems. All three feature relevant missile defense and long-range interception capabilities. The final decision will be made by Estonia’s Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK), the announcement is expected soon, according to Estonian media outlet ERR.
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Defense Express notes that the very presence of the Israeli system could hint at Estonia’s likely choice. Among the three, Rafael David’s Sling has the longest range — up to 300 km. That’s roughly three times the range of the SAMP/T and twice that of the Patriot. This range would enable Estonia to target high-altitude aerial threats over russia’s city of Saint Petersburg and Novgorod.
Moreover, David’s Sling is likely the most affordable option. One of Estonia’s closest neighbors, Finland, became the system’s first export customer in November 2023, signing a contract worth €317 million for an undisclosed number of launchers and configuration. If that amount covered a single system, it would still be significantly cheaper than its competitors. Additionally, the cost of the Stunner missile (also known as SkyCeptor) is estimated to be 3–4 times lower than that of the MSE interceptor for the Patriot.
As the threat from russia looms, the only factor that might push Estonia toward selecting the SAMP/T is its European origin — so it could be co-financed under the ReArm Europe plan. However, according to the system requirements, only the new-generation SAMP/T NG is worth procuring. But it is worth noting that its components are just now completing tests, hence it would take some time until it reaches mass production. The full system won’t be available until 2026, making short-term delivery unlikely.
As for the American Patriot, only political pressure from the U.S., which is demanding that Europeans buy its weapons, could justify joining a 4- to 5-year waiting line for the most expensive system with missile defense capabilities. Still, this choice would offer the greatest standardization, as Patriot is the most widely used system of its class in Europe.
Also, Estonia may have had two other Israeli contenders in the tender. Besides David’s Sling, there’s also the Barak ER by Israel Aerospace Industries, which offers a 150 km range and advertised ballistic missile interception capabilities. Greece is considering Barak ER as an alternative to Patriot, while Slovakia and the Netherlands (in naval containerized configuration) have already ordered the system.
As Defense Express reported earlier, Estonia interested in buying Ukrainian weapons, including long-range missiles. We also wrote that the Ukrainian company Infozahyst presented the Archont COMINT system for the first time in Estonia.
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