NATO mulling new German-Dutch corps stationed in Estonia

NATO is considering stationing its German-Dutch corps in Estonia, according to Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, Report informs via ERR.

If that decision is made, Pevkur believes the corps could be based in Pärnu. A decision is expected sometime this year.

According to Pevkur, Estonia is currently awaiting a decision from NATO headquarters on whether to station the alliance's German-Dutch corps in Estonia.

"This specific plan is tied to a broader NATO initiative, which involves the German-Dutch corps responsible for our area of operations and their forward command post," Pevkur said. "It would involve both our allies who fulfill leadership roles at the corps level and, of course, our own defense forces — including conscripts. From the perspective of the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF), it's a fairly significant development."

According to Pevkur, the corps would require a base complex designed for about 100 to 200 personnel, including headquarters buildings, supporting facilities and infrastructure.

"Primarily, it's about command functions, but of course there must also be provisions for things like perimeter security," he added.

If the decision is made in Estonia's favor, Pärnu could be the most suitable location due to its proximity to a port, an airfield, railway connections, a major highway and Riga.

"If the decision is to station it in Estonia, then the best location would be Pärnu. We've discussed this with the city of Pärnu," said Pevkur.

The proposed site for the base is a plot of land a few kilometers from the city center, located across from the Pärnu County Defense League unit.

"The Estonian Center for Defense Investments submitted a request to the city of Pärnu last week, asking that the land be transferred to the Ministry of Defense," noted Kosenkranius.

The Ministry of Defense has allocated €17 million for the creation of the base.

"We'll see how things develop. We've budgeted for it, so if the decision is made, we'll be ready to move forward immediately," said Pevkur.