Interpellation concerning the enhancement of the Defense Forces' wartime engineer capabilities, informed by the experiences of the current stage of the Russia-Ukraine War (No. 607)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-06-10 19:22
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 17
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 18m
AI Summaries: 17/17 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This interpellation (submitted on February 14, 2024) addresses questions concerning the increase of the wartime engineering capability of the defense forces in light of the experiences gained during the current stage of the Russia-Ukraine war. The questioners, including Leo Kunnas and co-signatories, emphasized the importance of engineering assets and service in the context of positional warfare and presented five specific questions: what is the timeline and cost for restoring the engineering equipment and supplies ceded to Ukraine; whether Estonia plans to establish the production of military-grade explosives; whether the government is considering denouncing the Ottawa Convention; what further steps are prepared to be taken to strengthen the defense forces' engineering capability; and how might the new reinforcement package affect engineering capability and drone warfare capacity. Reference is also made to the Baltic defense system and the concept of border denial/obstruction, and how the Baltic states are jointly developing their impact. The interpellation includes several—foremost important—observations that specifically concern the development of the defense industry, equipment, and the involvement of allies. The concluding points highlight that in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both maintaining defense capability and cooperation with allies are crucial, and that the sustainability of the Baltic Wall and the development of drone capability are priorities in Estonia.
Decisions Made 1
As a result of the inquiry, a single specific plenary decision was not adopted; the published response consolidated the government's positions and plans and described future measures: analysis regarding the defense industry park will continue (the analysis will be completed by the end of June), there is no plan to denounce the Ottawa Convention, and focus will be placed on strengthening engineering capabilities through combat readiness, equipment, and drones. Planned actions include the development of obstacles for the Baltic defense zone (~40 strongpoints in the Estonian section), increasing equipment stockpiles, and the delivery of innovative obstacle structures and equipment.
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant in this debate is Leo Kunnas, who represents the right-wing political spectrum (described pid: 4YTuQLAmSvU). He is the initiator of the interpellation and uses complex, layered questions to draw attention to the importance of pioneering capability and the unified action of the Baltic states. His activity in this context reflects his position as one of the leading presenters of interpellations, and his actions are focused on steering the discussions. (position: right)
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu will consider, as the third item on the agenda, Interpellation No. 607, submitted on February 14, 2024, concerning the enhancement of the wartime defense forces' engineer capabilities in light of the experience of the Russia-Ukraine war, which Leo Kunnas will introduce on behalf of the questioners.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In his presentation, Kunnas emphasized the critical importance of engineer capability for the defense of Estonia and its allies, referenced the construction of the Baltic Wall and the engineer assets relinquished to Ukraine, and posed five questions to the government concerning the timeline and cost of restoring the equipment, the necessity of domestic explosive production, considering denouncing the Ottawa Convention, additional funding, and opportunities for strengthening both engineer and drone warfare capabilities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech offered profuse thanks, noting that the Prime Minister must be able to handle complex issues, and subsequently called upon Prime Minister Kaja Kallas to come to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the questions posed by the interpellators.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced to the Riigikogu that the old mines donated for Ukraine will be replaced with new, modern mines by 2025, and the replenishment of these stocks will not cost the Estonian taxpayer, as the financing was secured via European compensation mechanisms; the development of a defense industry park will be launched in Estonia, and an analysis will be conducted on whether and how it is economically viable to produce explosives for military purposes; denouncing the Ottawa Convention is not necessary because there is no military-technical need, and doing so would complicate the involvement of allies; the development of engineering capabilities, obstacles, and strongholds is approved to continue, including the construction of a complex of obstacles along the eastern borders of the Baltic states and the planning of approximately 40 strongholds; and to develop indirect fire, drone, and combat capabilities, there are plans to invest approximately 1.4 billion euros in ammunition between 2024 and 2027, as well as to enhance "defense from the first meter" and increase the number of conscripts, all while adhering to the goals of the national defense development plan and maintaining defense funding at 3% of GDP until 2031.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
At the conclusion of the speech, the audience was thanked, a call for questions was made, and Leo Kunnas was invited to take the floor.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas raises the question of whether Estonia could start manufacturing explosives for civilian use, highlighting the robust mining industry, the potential of both public and private sector companies, and the growing demand.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the analysis of economic viability and the consideration of the special planning will be completed by the end of this month, and if it proves viable, more detailed answers will be provided already by the end of June.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas asks Rene Kokk to come.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk asks whether there are sufficient resources required for training—including mines and explosives—to ensure that sapper/engineer training can proceed, and whether we haven't compromised this by cutting resources too deeply.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas confirms that she has been provided with the necessary information and that it is sufficient, and this is affirmed by people involved in defense.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas said that interpellations only have one question, and as much information as needed is provided, mentioning Henn Põlluaas.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas emphasizes that Estonia supported the ban on anti-personnel mines via the Ottawa Convention in 2004, but many major countries, including Russia, the USA, China, and India, have not ratified it. Since Russia is currently using mines in Ukraine, he argues that the decision should be re-evaluated given the present circumstances. This is because, at the time, military aspects were overlooked, and mines are cheap and effective defensive tools.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas confirmed that we have not withdrawn from the convention because there is no military necessity, it would complicate the involvement of allies, and allies would not understand the withdrawal, and our defense relies both on our own capabilities and NATO collective defense.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets questioned the Prime Minister regarding the measures taken to rapidly develop the drone sector, noting that this field is evolving quickly in the context of the war in Ukraine, and Russia's annual production of approximately 6,000 drones poses significant challenges for a small country.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas invites Anti Poolamets to take the floor.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that in 2023, Estonia concluded a contract worth over 100 million euros for attack drones, and delivery and training will take place in 2024, in order to increase the firepower of 155-millimeter howitzers, establish a defense industry fund that accelerates investments in drone technology, and Estonian drones will be tested on the battlefield in Ukraine. Access to capital is the main obstacle, which is why a letter was drafted, along with 13 other prime ministers, to the European Investment Bank to ease restrictions, and private funds were called upon to increase financing. Development activities include drone innovation competitions, and this year's budget is the largest. We have observation and reconnaissance drones, as well as counter-drone capabilities, which will be supplemented with thermal sights for the launchers of the Mistral short-range air defense systems, and all of this is based on the lessons learned from Ukraine.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas concluded the questioning, offered his thanks, and announced that he did not wish to open a debate and that this interpellation had been answered.