KAITSEPLANEERIMINE ÄREVAL KÜMNENDIL – VÄEHALDUSE KÜSIMUS

This article analyses the development of Estonia’s military defence from the restoration of the country’s independence up to 2024, focusing on defence planning and its impact on building military capability. The study describes the progress of Estonian defence planning, the factors that influence it, and their impact on the development of national military capabilities. The main conclusion of the study is that Estonia has not yet developed a comprehensive system for military capability management, although such a system would be central to the development and preservation of the country’s defensive capabilities. The article stresses the urgent need to develop such a system and puts forward concrete proposals by which this can be achieved. The article focuses on three closely-related fields: military force structure planning in a changing security environment, the life-cycle management of capabilities, and the integration of the defence industry. The article provides a systematic review of Estonia’s current experience and gives practical recommendations for a more effective development of military capabilities with limited resources. These recommendations can help to further advance Estonia’s defence policy and refine its planning processes.