Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Baltic states have accelerated efforts to strengthen their defense procurement. In this context, the Estonian Ministry of Defense has launched a comprehensive market study to acquire a new howitzer battery. The country is in talks with multiple suppliers, including Türkiye, France, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and India, as it seeks to enhance its defense planning and deterrence.

The Estonian Armed Forces have already ordered 36 K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from South Korea, 18 of which have entered service. However, under its 10-year development plan, Estonia aims to establish a third howitzer battery. Deputy Secretary for Defense Planning Tiina Uudeberg noted that procurement could continue until 2028, as the Defense Investments Center evaluates proposals from various international manufacturers.

Unit prices for these howitzers are reported to range between €4 million and €10 million. Among the notable candidates are Türkiye’s T-155 Fırtına and YAVUZ howitzer systems, which stand out as strong contenders in Estonia’s procurement considerations.

Defense industry ties between Türkiye and Estonia have been steadily strengthening within the NATO framework. Since Estonia’s accession to NATO in 2004, cooperation has expanded through joint exercises and missions. More recently, Turkey supplied Estonia with armored vehicles produced by Otokar and Nurol Makina, in a deal worth approximately €200 million, further solidifying bilateral defense industry relations.

As Estonia continues its procurement efforts, Türkiye’s artillery solutions appear as a serious alternative, signaling the potential for deeper defense industry cooperation between Ankara and Tallinn in the coming years.