Image: Cpl T Gardiner © Crown copyright 2026
The UK will transform its military presence in Estonia into a Mobile Anti-Armour Force, increasing troop numbers to 1,200 from April 2027, as per a recent press statement.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis signed the new UK-Estonia defence roadmap alongside Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur during a visit to Tallinn on 16th July. The agreement deepens cooperation across defence, industry and military innovation, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
The transition will see UK Forward Land Forces move from an Armoured Battlegroup to a Mobile Anti-Armour Force, equipped with highly mobile vehicles, advanced weapons and high-tech drones. The redesign draws on lessons from Ukraine and reflects extensive wargaming conducted with Estonian forces, which found the new structure would deliver greater operational effect than the existing armoured formation.
Troop numbers will rise from roughly 800 to 1,200, bringing additional specialist expertise and resilience. The force will integrate within the UK’s recce-strike concept, enabling faster deployment, dispersal and readiness demonstrations than a traditional armoured unit.
Jarvis commented: “We are strengthening our deployment in Estonia to defend NATO territory and deter Russian aggression.”
He added that the changes would deliver “a more lethal and effective force, ready to fight and win alongside allies.”
Pevkur commented that nearly 1,200 British troops will arrive next year, backed by a UK brigade held at constant readiness. He added that the UK will begin pre-positioning equipment and ammunition in Estonia this year, enabling faster reinforcement in a crisis.
The roadmap also commits the UK to upgrading its Multiple Launch Rocket System capability, maintaining Short Range Air Defence, and deepening collaboration on ASGARD, the UK’s battlefield digitisation and targeting programme.
Read more on the UK MoD website
