Comment by the Information and Press Department on the expansion of Ämari Air Base in Estonia

We have taken note of a recent statement by Colonel Jaak Tarien, Commander of the Estonian Air Force, on plans for the infrastructure expansion of the Ämari Air Base in light of increasing NATO air requirements by adding areas that were intended for civil aviation.

Considering persistent rumours regarding the need for the additional permanent military presence of NATO countries, primarily the United States, on the so-called “Eastern Flank”, we interpret the Ämari plans as an openly provocative step aimed at destabilising the situation in a region that has been one of the most stable militarily in Europe.

We are surprised by the ease with which the Estonian authorities have sacrificed civilian facilities to NATO’s policy of accelerated militarisation of the Baltic states.

October 20, 2015