Tallinn is opening its urban environment to the development and testing of civil-protection, crisis-readiness and infrastructure-protection solutions under a new cooperation agreement with Estonia’s defence and aerospace industry.
The City of Tallinn and the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association (EKTL) signed a memorandum of understanding on 21 September to develop and test solutions to strengthen population protection, crisis preparedness, and the city’s resilience. Tööstusuudised reported that the agreement is intended to connect defence-industry companies with practical urban needs.
Building a stronger urban testing ground
Potential areas of cooperation include drones and autonomous systems, sensors, communications and data solutions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, crisis logistics and infrastructure protection. The memorandum focuses on technologies that can support residents and critical urban functions during crises.
The agreement does not provide for testing weapons, explosives or live-fire capabilities in public urban areas. All testing must comply with applicable law and safety requirements.
Kristjan Järvan, deputy mayor of Tallinn, said: “The City of Tallinn clearly sees that the presence of defence-industry companies is strategically important to the capital. It creates knowledge-intensive business, well-paid jobs and is a clear contribution to Estonia’s future. As the City of Tallinn, we offer comprehensive support so that our home city is the best place to start and develop a defence-industry company and attract foreign investment.”
Connecting city needs with innovation
Tallinn will work with Tehnopol to test suitable population-protection solutions in the urban environment. Together with its partners, the city will help define practical problems and needs that can be addressed through innovation projects, pilots and hackathons.
EKTL will bring its member companies, experts and industrial partners into the cooperation. The association will also help identify defence, dual-use and population-protection solutions that are suitable for testing in an urban setting.
“The cooperation with the City of Tallinn and its residents is a natural next step. The City of Tallinn’s interest in working with our companies is important support as we develop our capability to ensure the security of the population in an urban environment,” said Kalev Koidumäe, CEO of EKTL.
Developing Tallinn’s defence-technology ecosystem
The cooperation will support the development of Tallinn Defence Hub as an innovation centre for defence technologies and population protection. Planned activities include expert meetings, workshops, demonstrations and hackathons, alongside cooperation on Estonian Defence Week and related events.
EKTL currently represents more than 200 companies, many of which have demonstrated their capabilities in supporting Estonia’s national defence. The association’s participation is intended to give Tallinn access to a wider network of companies and specialists as the city develops its urban testing environment.
A strategic action plan covering 2026–2028 calls for the involvement of companies, start-ups, research institutions, public-sector organisations, investors and international partners. The stated aim is to develop Tallinn into an internationally visible innovation centre for defence technologies and population protection.
Are you interested in trading with Estonia? Enterprise Estonia is providing sourcing services for foreign enterprises. Contact Estonian export advisors or use our free e-consulting service to start trade with Estonia.
