The agenda is preliminary and subject to change to ensure the best possible access for participants.
Press Trip: Estonia’s Smart Defence Ecosystem
Welcome to Estonia – the home of agile, advanced defence!
About the event
Why Estonia? A Pioneering Hub for Smart Defence
Estonia is more than a NATO ally; it is a national proving ground for the next generation of security technology. We invite you to see first-hand how a "small but fast" nation is scaling innovation to solve the most critical challenges in modern defence.
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Agile Innovation: Discover how Estonian companies move from battlefield insight to operational tech in record time, creating niche solutions that plug directly into larger Nordic and UK systems.
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Invisible Backbone: See how 20 years of digital leadership has created world-class expertise in cyber resilience, secure tactical communications, and electronic warfare.
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Battlefield Tested: Experience technology that isn't just theoretical. From autonomous systems to the Baltic Drone Wall, Estonian innovation is already exercised, deployed, and proven.
What to Expect
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access to the Technical Backbone of Allied Security
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Strategic Access: High-level briefings with senior decision-makers, including the Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.
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Live Demonstrations: A first-hand look at autonomous ground vehicles (UGVs), tactical UAVs, and counter-drone systems in action.
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The Cyber Frontier: A visit to the national cyber innovation centre for a VR simulation of space-related cyber-attacks and insights from world-class NATO exercises.
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Direct from the Source: Candid conversations with founders, investors, and military experts shaping the future of European defence investment.
Press trip agenda
Arrival in Tallinn & Check-in
We have booked single rooms with breakfast at the Tallink City Hotel.
The hotel is located in the heart of Tallinn, within walking distance of the Old Town.
Let's meet at the hotel lobby and walk to the restaurant.
Welcome Dinner with Opening Remarks
An informal start to the trip at restaurant R14, featuring industry expert Kalev Koidumäe, CEO of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, and export advisors Tom Holgersson and Kristi Kivi Frimpong.
Let's meet at the hotel lobby, and go on a bus together.
Estonian Defence Industry and Ecosystem Overview @ e-Estonia Briefing Centre
The program begins with a deep dive into the digital and industrial architecture that forms the backbone of Estonia’s smart defense ecosystem. This session explains how Estonia’s agile environment accelerates the path from innovation in the lab to deployment on the battlefield.
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09:00–09:15: Opening Remarks and an E-Recidency introduction
This session will be presented by Liina Vahtras, Member of the Management Board at Enterprise Estonia. -
09:15–09:45: The Blueprint: A Digitally-Native Foundation for Security
Explaining how Estonia built one of the world’s most advanced digital societies based on the principles of interoperability and citizen trust. Discover how this foundational digital infrastructure provides the secure proving ground required for high-tech defence solutions and the role of e-Residency in a global tech ecosystem.
This session will be led by Petra Holm, e-Estonia Briefing Centre. -
09:45–10:15: The Engine Room: Niche Capabilities & Strategic Synergies
A deep dive into Estonia’s private-sector defence ecosystem. This overview highlights the "small but fast" niche players and explains why industry agility is a critical factor in Europe’s changing security landscape and NATO’s strategic procurement.
This session will be led by Rene Ehasalu, Cluster Manager of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association. -
10:15–11:00: Interactive Q&A and Case Study Discussion
An open session for journalists to dive deeper into specific market interests (UK, SE, DK), explore upcoming projects, and gather direct insights from the industry association leads.
Invisible Infrastructure: Cyber, Space & Resilience @ CR14
A visit to CR14, Estonia’s national cyber innovation centre and a NATO partner organisation. This session includes a space cyber-attack simulation and insights from world-class NATO exercises, including Locked Shields, the world’s largest and most complex live-fire cyber defence simulation.
CR14 recently hosted King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark and concluded the British Army’s Defence Cyber Marvel exercise. The centre is currently preparing to host the next edition of Locked Shields and leads multiple cyber defence R&D projects with a combined budget exceeding €100 million, focusing on the use of AI in strengthening Europe’s cyber resilience.
The session will be led by Martin Hanson, Head of Marketing at CR14, and Tõnis Saar, Director of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and Member of the Supervisory Board of CR14.
Lunch
Ministerial Briefing: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
A meeting with Mr. Erkki Keldo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, focusing on European strategic autonomy and Estonia’s defence priorities.
Command & Control in Practice: Electronic Warfare @ Rantelon
A factory visit to an electronics specialist with 30 years of experience. Discover how signal detection and counter-UAS systems are developed and used on the battlefield today.
Networking Dinner
A casual evening at restaurant FUME, bringing together a curated mix of industry experts, government officials, and company representatives for informal discussion.
Guests: Taavi Laur, Co-founder and CFO, 5.0Robotics; Kusti Salm, CEO, Frankenburg Technologies; Tõnis Voitka, CEO, Krattworks; Rober Lang, Director of Defence Investments Cooperation, Estonian Defence Forces; Heigo Mölder, CEO, Mindchip
Panel: Funding the Future – How Europe’s Defence Innovators Scale @ Tehnopol Science and Business Park
A discussion on trends in defence investments and cross-border collaboration. The panel features Robert Lang, Director of Defence Investments Cooperation at Estonian Defence Forces, Major Ivo Peets, Commander of the Force Transformation Command of Estonia, Ragnar Sass Co-founder of Darkstar, and Kadri Tammai, Head of NATO DIANA Estonia.
In Action: Robotics and Autonomous Systems @ Milrem Robotics
A visit to the world-leading developer of autonomous ground systems (UGVs). Paul Clayton, Director of Industrial Partnerships, and Jens Falkenberg, Regional Sales Manager at Milrem Robotics, together with Ingvar Pärnamäe, Co-Founder and CEO of Vegvisir, will showcase how robotics and XR situational awareness are shaping the next battlefield.
The visit will conclude with a networking lunch on-site @ Milrem Robotics
Strategic Briefing: Ministry of Defence
A session with Kaimo Kuusk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, on NATO integration, the Baltic Drone Wall, and current security challenges on the Eastern flank.
Drone Innovation & Live Demonstration
This session provides journalists with direct access to Estonia’s operational drone and counter-UAS ecosystem, combining live system demonstrations, manufacturing access and executive briefings from leading defence technology companies. It also offers insight into the Baltic Drone Wall initiative, initiated by DefSecIntel Solutions, and explains how battlefield experience from Ukraine, rapid development cycles and Nordic–Baltic cooperation are shaping scalable defence solutions relevant to the UK and Northern Europe.
Hosted at Threod Systems’ CATA launcher manufacturing facility in Maardu, the visit begins with a short indoor briefing introducing Threod’s core product lines — EOS C VTOL reconnaissance aircraft, electro-optical payload systems and CATA aircraft launchers. Full-scale systems will be presented on site, supported by technical fact sheets and Q&A with company representatives.
Journalists will then tour the CATA production facility before moving outdoors for a live operational demonstration. The CATA launcher will be configured as for a real one-way effector launch, followed by a full dry firing cycle demonstrating deployment procedures and mechanical operation (no aircraft will be launched).
Marduk Technologies will present its passive electro-optical drone detection, classification and targeting systems, illustrating how early threat identification integrates with launch capabilities within a layered counter-UAS framework.
DefSecIntel Solutions will present the CAIMAN STSS system in an outdoor static configuration, demonstrating its mobility and role within integrated counter-drone architectures. Selected operational footage from live demonstrations and field deployments will provide additional context.
Companies & Speakers
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Threod Systems
UAV platforms (EOS C VTOL), electro-optical payloads and launch systems
Speakers: Arno Vaik (CEO), Ranno Pajuri (CCO), Robert Jakobson (CTO) -
DefSecIntel Solutions
Mobile surveillance and counter-UAS systems; initiator of the Baltic Drone Wall initiative
Speaker: Jaanus Tamm (Founder & CEO) -
Marduk Technologies
Electro-optical drone detection, classification and targeting systems
Speaker: Leet Rauno Lember (COO)
TBC
Farewell Dinner at Pegasus
A final opportunity to connect with hosts and discuss the key takeaways from the visit.
Departures
Optional, not part of the official programme:
Defend and Accelerate: NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator & Defence Business Lab
Join the Coffee Morning on 5 March to learn more about the dual-use and defence startup ecosystem. More information and programme: Defend and Accelerate: NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator & Defence Business Lab - Tickets | Fienta
Let Marta or Kätlin know if you are interested.
People you'll meet
Robert Lang
Director of Defence Investments Cooperation
Estonian Defence Forces
Major Ivo Peets
Commander of the Force Transformation Command of Estonia
Estonian Defense Forces
Tõnis Voitka
CEO
Krattworks
Kätlin Unt
Technical Project Manager
Akkadian PR Agency
About organisations
Enterprise Estonia / e-Estonia Briefing Centre
Enterprise Estonia strive to enhance Estonia’s international competitiveness, foster entrepreneurship, and improve the quality of life for its residents. Estonia is a progressive European nation and the world’s most digitally advanced society. It blends liberal democracy and a Nordic lifestyle with an independent spirit and a startup mindset to power world-leading innovation in technology and sustainability
e-Estonia Briefing Centre is part of Enterprise Estonia. It is a governmental body created in 2009 for the development and promotion of e-Estonia brand. Estonia is the world leader in digitalisation of government services.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
The Estonian Ministry of Defence
The Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association
Estonian Defence Forces
NATO DIANA Estonia
CR14
Rantelon
Darkstar
Milrem Robotics
Vegvisir
DefSecIntel Solutions
Threod Systems
Marduk Technologies
Frankenburg Technologies
5.0Robotics
Krattworks
PowerUP Energy Technologies
C2GRID
Mindchip
Spacedrip
Cybernetica
Key Info
List of items we recommend bringing with you:
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Warm & Weatherproof Clothing: Early March in Estonia is a transition period. Temperatures usually range between -5°C and +4°C. We highly recommend packing thermal layers, a warm windproof coat, and waterproof outerwear.
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Practical Footwear: The program includes a live outdoor demonstration. Please bring sturdy, warm, and water-resistant boots or shoes suitable for potentially muddy or snowy terrain.
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Smart Casual Dress Code: For indoor sessions and dinners, a smart casual style is appropriate. No formal business attire is required.
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Tech: Estonia uses Type F plugs (two round pins) and 230V.
- Swimwear: Please note that access to the hotel’s relaxation area is not complimentary. If you wish to use these facilities, you may book a visit at your own cost. Reservations must be made in advance at the hotel reception, and the fee is €16 per person per session. If you plan to enjoy the relaxation area, please remember to bring your swimwear.
Please note:
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Currency: Estonia uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere.
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Connectivity: We recommend downloading WhatsApp, as we will use a group chat for real-time updates during the trip.
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Transport: For independent travel, we recommend the Bolt ridesharing app.
Travel Expenses & Logistics
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Hosted Costs: Return flights, local transfers, hotel accommodation between March 2-5, and meals within the official program are covered by Enterprise Estonia.
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Exclusions: Personal expenses such as minibar, laundry, extra room service or hotel’s relaxation area are not covered.
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Chatham House Rule: Please note that lunches and dinners with officials are generally conducted under the Chatham House Rule. If you wish to use direct quotes, please seek approval from the speaker first.
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Accommodation: Tallink City Hotel (A. Laikmaa 5, Tallinn)