Estonian Defence Forces plan to establish base in Narva near Russian border
The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) intend to permanently deploy units in Narva, a city located directly on the Russian border, in a move described by military leadership as a clear signal of Estonia’s sovereignty and military presence.
In brief
The Estonian armed forces command wants to permanently station Estonian army units and allied troops in the border city of Narva, chief of the general staff General Vahur Karus said. The base could host more than 200 Estonian soldiers, including active duty personnel, conscripts and reservists, as well as NATO troops on rotation. Narva, which borders the Russian city of Ivangorod, has around 53 thousand residents, 80 to 90 percent of whom are of Russian origin. The plan has been discussed with parliamentary parties, and a search for a site in the city centre is under way.
- In Narva, it is important to show that this is Estonia, and that the Estonian army is present here, Chief of the General Staff, Major General Vahur Karus, stated on Wednesday.
Narva, situated in the northeastern part of the country and bordering the Russian town of Ivangorod, is Estonia’s third-largest city after Tallinn and Tartu. It has a population of approximately 53,000, of whom 80–90 percent are of Russian ethnic origin.
According to General Karus, the proposal to establish a military base in Narva has already been discussed with parliamentary parties, and the process of identifying a suitable central location within the city is currently underway.
The planned base would host over 200 Estonian military personnel, including active-duty soldiers, conscripts, reservists, as well as allied troops from NATO units. These forces would rotate regularly, maintain a state of operational readiness for a period, and then return to other bases, Karus explained during an interview with Vikerraadio.
He also noted that, at present, battalions based in Jõhvi—located about 50 km west of Narva—are responsible for the defense of Narva. These units frequently deploy to the area for exercises and maneuvers, transporting their equipment each time.
Source: PAP / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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