This country will extend compulsory military service. The decision has been made

In Estonia, the period of compulsory military service will be extended to 12 months from 2027 and will cover all conscripts, informed the country's Ministry of Defense.

According to the ministry, the amendment to the law on military service is dictated by the changing security situation, as well as the experience gained from the war in Ukraine. A longer period of conscript service is also necessary due to the technical complexity of the training and the introduction of modern weapon systems.

Currently, there are two service models in Estonia, depending on the period of appointment and assignment to military units, which last 8 and 11 months (applies to, among others, armored forces, navy or military specialists in communications and IT).

According to the commander of the armed forces, General Andrus Merilo, in the new model, first, during a six-month intensive training, conscripts will become familiar with the operation of weapon systems, and for the next six months they will undergo combat exercises. – This will allow us to maintain readiness to respond to potential military threats to Estonia – he emphasized.

In Estonia, which has a population of 1.37 million, approximately 4,000 are drafted into service every year. people of military age. The Estonian army relies primarily on reserve forces, numbering approximately 230,000. citizens, which constitutes nearly 20 percent society. (PAP)

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