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.

security worldwide nato news

23 april 2025   |   16:36   |   Source: PAP / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Wikimedia Commons

- 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.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

baza wojskowa Narwa granica estońsko-rosyjska nato w estonii bezpieczeństwo narodowe estonii estonia rosja

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick

Add the first comment