The Estonian Defence Investment Center (RKIK) has opened a military center near the Russian border to expand accommodation for allies stationed in the region.
Camp Reedo is located in the southeast of Estonia and will be managed by the Defence Forces’ 2nd Infantry Brigade.
It incorporates eight primary halls that could receive approximately 1,000 personnel. Facilities include equipment maintenance stations, storage, kitchen and dining areas, as well as laundry buildings.
Camp Reedo’s construction and related capabilities cost 21 million euros ($23.4 million), according to the military investment agency.
The infrastructure was completed in partnership with Tartu-based concrete works company Mapri Ehitus.
“We have accommodated the previous allied units in the Taara settlement, where we have provided them with a barracks and also built one of the largest container settlements in Estonia,” RKIK South Portfolio Manager Peeter Karja stated.
“With the new camp, if necessary, they can stay near the training ground during exercises and practice defending Estonia with the defense forces in good conditions.”
Enabling ‘Strong Confidence’
RKIK highlighted that the center will be operational for accommodations, preparations, and repairs in both crises and peacetime.
“This will make it easier for them to arrive and get combat ready here. After a short stay, the units move to the operational areas or back to the country of origin,” RKIK Training Grounds Portfolio Manager Elari Kalmaru explained.
Estonian Defence Forces 2nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Mati Tikerpuu added that the center provides Tallinn’s military with “strong confidence to know that for the allied units with whom we plan and practice the defense of Estonia,” even if “a whole unit should come to help defend if necessary.”
Four-Year Defense Infrastructure Plan
The Reedo campus inauguration follows RKIK’s announcement of an investment worth 500 million euros ($558.6 million) in defense infrastructure over the next four years.
The effort will focus on the adoption of allies and integrating new solutions while maintaining sustainability throughout the country. Related taxi, cleaning, furniture, security, food supply, and catering services are also expected to be procured to support the forthcoming buildings under this framework.
Part of the project is the renovation of a $19.9-million air base in the country’s north revealed in February to further contribute to the multinational NATO Air Policing mission.
The site was originally established during the Soviet era and was relaunched into a NATO center in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
“In order to better protect Estonia, we must be ready to receive allies on a significantly larger scale in order to implement NATO’s new defense plans,” Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur commented on the broader infrastructure strategy.
“However, even now, the Defense Force needs additional space in order to be able to receive additional allied units if necessary and to ensure suitable conditions for accommodation, equipment, weaponry and ammunition storage, as well as training.”
