Construction of significant border defense structures has commenced in eastern Estonia. Over the next two years, a 40-kilometer anti-tank ditch will be dug as part of a planned Baltic defense system.
This was reported by ERR.
Currently, a half-kilometer anti-tank ditch has been excavated outside the fence in the village of Vinski near Meremäe, while future ditches will be constructed inside the secured area, equipped with dragon’s teeth and barbed wire.
“Given the natural barriers we have in northeastern Estonia, such as the Narva River and Lake Peipus, we plan to build a 40-kilometer anti-tank ditch in southeastern Estonia to halt the enemy. This will be along the entire border where necessary,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ainar Afanasiev, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
He noted that in marshy areas, this measure is not needed, as “it is impossible to access with equipment.”
“By the end of 2027, we should have over 40 kilometers of anti-tank ditches ready, as well as nearly 600 bunkers,” the military official stated.
Project leader Armin Siilivask mentioned that this year, two support points are planned to be established: one in northeastern Estonia and the other in southeastern Estonia, which will consist of up to 14 additional points situated throughout the landscape.
“This year, we also plan to create storage facilities. Currently, all materials for the barriers are held in temporary storage, but this year we will transfer them to warehouses to keep them as close as possible to the support points,” he added.
Estonia is one of the EU countries that historically had large areas of wetlands and is a leader in their restoration after many marshy areas were drained for agriculture in the past.
However, initial steps in this direction have already encountered resistance from local residents.
Background: In late August, it was reported that Estonia is considering the feasibility of restoring wetlands and bogs as a natural barrier that could help deter hostile forces in the event of a potential Russian invasion. Finland recently completed the construction of the first section of a fence along its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia.
