Estonia, one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations, brought its innovative, fast-growing defence and security technology sector to the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., held from October 13–15, 2025.

Estonia’s participation came at a pivotal moment. As a NATO frontline state bordering Russia, the country has become a testbed for next-generation defence innovation—from autonomous vehicles and battlefield AI to cyber resilience and tactical communications. Estonia’s companies’ visit to AUSA underscored both its commitment to collective security and its growing role as a hub for technologies that could be rapidly tested, adapted, and scaled across allied forces.

Estonian delegation promoted cyber, robotics, and dual-use technologies

“Estonia has proven time and again that agility can outpace size. Just as we pioneered digital society, we are now a proving ground for defence innovation, from battlefield autonomy to initiatives like the Drone Wall,” said Rene Ehasalu, Defence Estonia Cluster Manager. “Our companies are ready to partner with U.S. industry leaders on technologies that strengthen security and resilience across NATO.”

The Estonian delegation included 11 defence and security companies that presented innovations in robotics, autonomous systems, cyber defence, advanced communications, and dual-use clean technologies. The group was joined by Estonia’s Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, Ministry of Defence, and government representatives, reinforcing the country’s position as a trusted transatlantic partner for U.S. and NATO collaboration.

84% of U.S. defence executives seek allied tech partners

Estonia’s participation also built on findings from recent U.S. industry research commissioned by Trade Estonia, revealing strong demand for transatlantic cooperation:

• U.S. defence executives show strong demand for allied innovation — 84% plan to increase supplier partnerships this year, with a clear preference for trusted, NATO-aligned partners.
• Top priorities include AI, autonomy, and cybersecurity, areas where Estonia’s defence industry already exports proven, deployable solutions.
• Resilience and supply-chain diversification are driving collaboration, as U.S. firms look to partners like Estonia to accelerate technology adoption and readiness.

Estonia’s defence sector is part of a broader innovation ecosystem shaped by decades of digital leadership, from secure e-governance infrastructure to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. Today, that same digital backbone is powering the next generation of defence technology—smarter systems, faster decision-making, and stronger alliances.

Estonia has built one of the most agile and innovation-driven defence sectors in Europe. With more than 190 companies in the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, the sector specializes in autonomy, cybersecurity, secure communications, and advanced training systems. In 2026 Estonia plans to  invests over 5% of its GDP in defence – among the highest in NATO – ensuring that new technologies are rapidly tested, fielded, and integrated. This focus has made Estonia a country where defence innovations move quickly from concept to combat-ready capability.

GOOD TO KNOW

Estonian Defence Companies at AUSA 2025
The delegation highlighted Estonia’s breadth of defence innovation, including:

• Milrem Robotics – European leader in robotics and autonomous systems, best known for its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle, now fielded by allied defence forces.
• CR14 – Estonia’s state-owned cyber defence and R&D company, running global cyber ranges and training environments for NATO and critical industries.
• Wayren – Tactical communication and command solutions that ensure secure connectivity and situational awareness in contested environments.
• Marduk Technologies – Counter-drone and air defence systems combining radar, AI, and kinetic/non-kinetic measures to protect infrastructure and operations.
• KrattWorks – AI-powered drones for real-time data analysis and situational mapping in defence, rescue, and security operations.
• C2Grid – Cloud-based command-and-control platforms designed to enhance interoperability and resilience across joint missions.
• Frankenburg Technologies – Advanced sensor fusion and autonomous navigation systems that enhance defence mobility, targeting, and situational awareness across complex terrains.
• 5.0 Robotics, Cafa Tech, Defendec – showcasing Estonia’s diverse strengths in robotics, cyber, situational awareness, and dual-use innovation.

This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

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.