'Turkiye has strong defense industry, producing all Estonia may need'

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) - The commander of the Estonian Defense Forces said his country is very interested in the Turkish defense industry.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Lt. Gen. Martin Herem said the main purpose of his visit to Ankara on April 1 was to exchange views with Turkiye's Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler about security issues.

Herem said the two countries are sharing mutual understanding about security and Estonia, with its increased defense budget, is "very interested" in Turkiye's defense industry.

Estonia also has some existing plans for the development of capabilities, he added, noting that Turkiye has "a very strong industry producing all kinds of equipment and armaments" that his country may need.

On cooperation in the defense area, Herem reminded that Estonia and Turkiye "are on NATO's eastern borders," pointing to the significance of the exchange of views on security issues.

He noted that although it is "too early to say anything" on cooperation in defense projects, Estonia is interested in "all long-range and air defense capabilities" of Turkiye.

Regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Estonian army chief said Ukraine is "in a conventional war."

"All Baltic states and most of the Western countries today are in a hybrid war with Russia," he said, noting that whatever Russia achieves in Ukraine, it will have a huge impact, geographically and politically. This is what Russia wants to achieve against NATO and EU countries in the very near future, Herem added.

He also commented on the negotiations held in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia, saying: "The negotiations are always at least some kind of hope to (achieve) peace."

Turkiye is playing a significant role in this process, he stressed.

On the cost of peace, Herem said that "if the cost means any Ukrainian territory lost to Russia, that will definitely encourage Russia to do other things in near future against all its neighbors, including NATO countries."

The sanctions imposed on Russia are "all very necessary," Herem noted, saying countries "could be much more active, much more decisive, and should support Ukraine much more than they do today."

He recalled that Estonia was among the first to declare arms support to Ukraine, noting that his country sent anti-tank missiles ammunition even before the war escalated.

Estonia has so far provided different support from a field hospital, together with Germany, to medical equipment, Herem also said.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which started on Feb. 24, has met international outrage with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,417 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,038 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.

More than 4.2 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, with millions more displaced inside the country, according to the UN refugee agency.

* Writing by Merve Aydogan in Ankara.