Daria Pohrebniak
Marketing Director - ReVerb
11.15.2026
Last updated: November 14, 2026
To sell to the Estonian Defence Forces, you sell to the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI). It runs almost all defence procurement for the Ministry of Defence area, publishes its procurement plan, and tenders through Estonia’s public e-procurement environment. New suppliers should follow the plan, register for tenders, join market research and info days, and test products with Estonian units where possible.
Estonia has raised defence spending sharply and wants to grow its own defence industry. That creates openings for foreign suppliers and for Estonian startups alike.
Who Buys: The Estonian Centre For Defence Investments
The ECDI was set up in 2017 to bring all defence procurement under one organization. It buys for the Defence Forces, the volunteer Defence League, the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Resources Agency and the Estonian War Museum.
It runs large competitions, such as air defence and vehicle programs, as well as ammunition and equipment framework agreements.
Where Tenders Are Published
ECDI tenders appear in the state public procurement register. Search with the ECDI as contracting authority. The ECDI also publishes and updates a procurement plan with planned purchases, timelines and indicative budgets.
How Contracts Are Structured
Many purchases use multi-year framework agreements, often up to seven years, with options for more units. Larger competitions use competitive negotiated procedures, and some programs are run jointly with Latvia or through NATO and EU agencies.
Funding Programs For Defence Companies
Estonia runs a defence industry product development program worth about €23.8 million, offering up to €3 million per project, with drones, unmanned vehicles, counter-drone systems and electronic warfare among the priorities. The state-backed SmartCap Defence Fund invests in defence startups, and Estonian companies took part in 26 European Defence Fund projects in the 2025 calls.
Tips For New Suppliers
Read The Procurement Plan
Align your sales plan with announced timelines rather than cold pitching.
Join Market Research And Info Days
The ECDI regularly runs market consultations before tenders. Taking part helps shape requirements.
Prove It In The Field
Estonian Defence Forces test products in exercises. Battle-tested evidence, including from Ukraine, carries weight.
Partner Locally
Teaming with Estonian firms or joining the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association can open doors.
Prepare For Compliance
Expect security, export control and tax checks before contract award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who buys equipment for the Estonian military?
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments buys for the Defence Forces, the Defence League and the wider Ministry of Defence area.
Where are Estonian defence tenders published?
In the state public procurement register, under the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments as contracting authority.
Can foreign companies bid?
Yes. Many ECDI tenders are open to suppliers from allied countries.
Is there funding for defence startups in Estonia?
Yes. Grant programs, the SmartCap Defence Fund and the European Defence Fund all support Estonian defence innovation.
Conclusion
Selling to the Estonian Defence Forces means working with the ECDI, following its procurement plan and proving your product in the field. For a view of the local industry, see the top defense technology companies in Estonia and the Estonia hub.
