With a long-term mindset and export potential in mind, Estonia is already building in the defence space: first domestic munition production in a century goes live at Ämari.
While strengthening its defence posture with a record-high military budget, Estonia is also building long-term domestic manufacturing capabilities, providing high-quality jobs and expanding export options. In early 2026, the country took a significant step in this direction, with the opening of its first munitions production facility in nearly 100 years.
Historic milestone at Ämari
On January 15, 2026, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of an explosives plant at the Ämari defence industry park, located at the Ämari Air Base west of Tallinn, reports ERR. Estonian company Nitrotol became the first manufacturer to produce military munitions on Estonian soil since the country’s independence.
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur called it a “major step forward,” emphasizing that Estonia has become a country capable of producing and exporting ammunition. The plant enables Estonia to concentrate defence production resources domestically, ensuring the country can supply itself even during crises.
Nitrotol has manufactured military explosives, including mines, since 2019. However, Estonian law previously prohibited completing the production process domestically—explosive filling had to be done abroad. The new facility removes this constraint entirely.
Nitrotol’s products already serve the Estonian Defence Forces and several NATO member states. Board member Jens Haug highlighted that the factory launch represents an important development milestone for both the company and Estonia’s defence sector.
Expanding production
Estonia’s defence manufacturing ambitions extend beyond Ämari. On December 30, 2025, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) signed contracts for the Ermistu defence industry park in Pärnu County, with production planned to begin in 2027.
Four companies will establish facilities in Ermistu’s first phase:
- Nitrotol OÜ: mines and charges
- Odin Defence OÜ (subsidiary of Thor Industries): plastic explosives
- Frankenburg Technologies OÜ: short-range air defence missiles
- Infinitum Strike OÜ: ammunition components
Additional company agreements are expected soon, further expanding Estonia’s defence industrial capacity.
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