Estonia - Digital Security and Defence Industry

Korea Press Foundation visit to Estonia

Estonia - Digital Security and Defence Industry

About the event

Exploring the Future of Security Through Estonia's Defence and Digital Innovation Ecosystem

As a NATO frontline nation and a recognised leader in digital governance, cybersecurity and defence innovation, Estonia offers a unique perspective on how countries can build resilience in an increasingly complex security environment.

This press trip offers first-hand insight into the technologies and policies that are shaping modern security. Through expert briefings, company visits and participation in Estonia Defence Week, journalists will explore topics including AI, cyber defence, autonomous systems, drone technologies, digital resilience and NATO cooperation.

This project is co-funded by the European Union.

Program

The agenda is preliminary and subject to change to ensure the best possible access for participants.

  1. Bus transfer to e-Estonia Briefing Centre

  2. Arrival and welcome coffee at the e-Estonia Briefing Centre

  3. Welcoming words

    By Mari-Liis Küppar, Board Member at Enterprise Estonia

  4. e-Estonia Briefing: Digital transformation, digital government services, cybersecurity and resilience

    By Rannar Park, Head of Business Engagement at e-Estonia Briefing Centre

    Topics:

    • Estonia's digital transformation journey
    • Digital government services
    • Cybersecurity and digital resilience
  5. Coffee break and interview opportunities

  6. Briefing by Nortal: Cybersecurity, Defence and Global Innovation

    By Marko Kaseleht, Senior Vice President for Defence at Nortal


    Key topics for discussion: 

    • Why Korea and Estonia are natural partners in defense technology
    • How Korean platforms could be strengthened with NATO-interoperable software and digital capabilities
    • What both countries can learn from Ukraine
    • How joint development could support K-defense expansion into Europe and other global markets
  7. Lunch

  8. Briefing by Marduk

    By Rauno Lember, COO

  9. Briefing on the State of the Estonian Defence Technology Ecosystem

    By Rene Ehasalu, Cluster Manager at Estonian Defence Industry Association

    Topics:

    • Current trends in Estonian defence technology
    • Investment environment
    • Lessons from Ukraine
    • Future growth opportunities
  10. Briefing by Frankenburg Technologies and introduction to Air Defence Innovation

    By Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies

    Topics:

    • Air defence innovation
    • Cooperation with Hanwha
    • Defence technology development
  11. Interviews, programme for the next days, group picture

  12. Bus transfer to CybExer Technologies

  13. Visit to CybExer Technologies and briefing on Digital Twins & Cyber Ranges in the AI Era

    By Sten Feldman, Chief AI Officer at CybExer Technologies

    Key media angles and demonstration highlights:

    • Digital twins for cyber resilience
    • Simulated banking environments for safe cyberattack testing
    • 3D city simulations of Abu Dhabi, London and Berlin
    • Critical infrastructure resilience scenarios
    • Large-scale cyber exercises in Ukraine and the UK
    • Defence Cyber Marvel exercise involving more than 1,100 participants from 19 countries
    • AI agent testing before deployment into operational systems
    • Leadership decision-making during cyber crises
    • Practical resilience lessons for the AI era
  14. Bus transfer to hotel

  15. Bus transfer to Hilton Tallinn Park Hotel

  16. Interviews

    8.10-8.20 Samsik Lee (이삼식)  Director General (무역관장)
    KOTRA Helsinki(Korea Business Center Helsinki)

    8.20-8.50 Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Estonia is His Excellency Ileung Kim

  17. Estonia-Korea Defence Forum

    The Estonia-Korea Defence Industry Forum brings together defence officials and leading companies from both nations to expand bilateral military-technological cooperation and localization partnerships

  18. Networking lunch and free time

  19. Bus tansfer to Milrem Robotics

  20. Visit to Milrem Robotics

    PS! For pictures, we need on-site confirmation from the Milrem representative.

    Meeting with Kuldar Väärsi, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Milrem Robotics

    Topics:

    • Autonomous ground systems
    • Future battlefield technologies
    • Defence innovation
    • Lessons learned from Ukraine
  21. Bus transfer to DefSecIntel

  22. Visit to DefSecIntel and briefing on Defence Intelligence & Situational Awareness Technologies

    By Mr Kert Räis, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ecosystem and Ms Getter Oper, Chief of Strategy & Communications

    Company materials: Defsecintel Solutions media_2026 - OneDrive

  23. Arrival at hotel

  24. Meet at the hotel lobby and walk together to the restaurant

  25. Networking dinner at FARM Restaurant

    Hosted by Enterprise Estonia

  26. Departure from hotel. Please bring your passports with you.

  27. Briefing on Estonia's Defence Early-Stage Innovation Ecosystem at Tehnopol Science and Business Park

    By Anne-Liisa Elbrecht, Vootele Päi and startup representatives:

    • C2GRID
    • Thistle - Gerda-Annika Laager  

    Topics:

    • Defence innovation acceleration
    • NATO DIANA programme
    • Dual-use technologies
    • Startup ecosystem success stories
  28. Bus transfer to Ministry of Economic Affairs

  29. Visit to Estonia Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication

    Meeting with the Minister of Economy and Industry, Liina Vahtras

  30. Bus transfer

  31. Visit to the Ministry of Defence

    Indrek Sirp, Special Adviser for Defence Industry Development, Estonian Ministry of Defence

  32. Lunch

  33. Bus transfer to KrattWorks

  34. Visit to KrattWorks and introduction to Jamming-Resistant Drone Technologies, Factory Visit & Drone Showcase

    By Ranno Pajuri, Business Development Manager of KrattWorks

    Company Presentation

    • Autonomous drone technologies
    • Electronic warfare resilience
    • Battlefield lessons from Ukraine

    Factory Visit

    • Production facilities tour
    • Please note that photography, filming or recording is not permitted inside production areas

    Drone Showcase

    • Photography permitted
  35. Bus transfer to hotel

  36. End of Official Programme

  37. Visit to the Estonian National Broadcasting (F. R. Kreutzwaldi tn 14, 10124 Tallinn)

    9.00-10.00 Strategic Communications in Estonia and Europe. By Rain Puusta, Government Strategic Communications Adviser

    10.00-11.30 ERR Editorial Board Presentation and Newsroom Tour. By Joosep Värk, Editor in Chief at Estonian Public Broadcast

Mari-Liis Küppar

Mari-Liis Küppar

Board Member
Enterprise Estonia

Liina Vahtras

Liina Vahtras

Minister of Economy and Industry
Republic of Estonia

Rene Ehasalu

Cluster Manager
The Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association

Indrek Sirp

Special Advisor for Defence Industry Development
Estonian Ministry of Defence

Kusti Salm

CEO
Frankenburg Technologies

Kuldar Väärsi

Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Milrem Robotics

Marko Kaseleht

Senior Vice President for Defence
Nortal

Vootele Päi

Vootele Päi

Head of Dual-Use and Defence Technologies
Tehnopol

Anne-Liisa Elbrecht

Anne-Liisa Elbrecht

Director
Tehnopol Accelerator

Vladimir Kuts

CEO and co-founder
C2GRID

Sten Feldman

Chief AI Officer
CybExer Technologies

Gerda-Annika Laager

CEO & co-founder
Thistle

Ranno Pajuri

Business Development Manager
KrattWorks

Getter Oper

Chief of Strategy & Communications
DefSecIntel

Kert Räis

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ecosystem 
DefSecIntel

Kadri Paju

Kadri Paju

International Media Project Manager
Enterprise Estonia

Rannar Park

Head of Business Engagement
Enterprise Estonia

Soyoung Im

Business Development Manager (Korea)
Enterprise Estonia

Marta Hang

Press Trip Project Manager
Enterprise Estonia

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.

List of items we recommend bringing with you:

  • Warm & Weather-Appropriate Clothing: September in Estonia is typically mild but can be unpredictable, with temperatures usually ranging between 8°C and 18°C. We recommend packing layers, a light jacket or coat, comfortable walking shoes, and a waterproof outer layer, as rain and cooler evenings are common.
  • 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.
  • Smart Casual Dress Code: For indoor sessions and dinners, a smart casual style is appropriate. No formal business attire is required.
  • Tech: Estonia uses Type F plugs (two round pins) and 230V.

Please note:

  • Currency: Estonia uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere.

Travel Expenses & Logistics

  • 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.

Contact

Marta Hang

Project manager of International Media

Enterprise Estonia

Soyoung Im

Export Advisor Asia Region Export Markets

Enterprise Estonia

Kadri Paju

International Media Project Manager

Enterprise Estonia