Estonian Defense Minister Martin Herem said Estonia should consider acquiring light jet aircraft to intercept Russia’s jet-powered long-range attack drones. The remarks appeared in an interview published on October 11, 2026.
Herem said turboprop aircraft may not be enough and that Estonia may need light jets. Asked whether Estonia should acquire light fighter aircraft, he replied that perhaps it should. The report says the Estonian Air Force has no combat jets; its fleet page lists two M28 transport aircraft and leased L-39 jet trainers, used mainly to train intercept controllers and joint terminal attack controllers.
