Estonia's rescue helicopter fleet replacement would cost 330 million

Estonia's rescue helicopters are in need of replacement, but funding for new aircraft is not available in the near future. The Interior Minister says a full fleet replacement, including an additional aircraft and necessary infrastructure, would cost around 330 million, with hopes of securing the funds from the European Union.

Estonia's ageing rescue helicopter fleet requires urgent replacement, but the country currently lacks the budget to purchase new aircraft, the Interior Minister has confirmed. The total cost of renewing the fleet — including an additional aircraft and the supporting infrastructure — is estimated at approximately 330 million.

According to the minister, the government is looking to the European Union as the primary source of funding for the project. No concrete timeline has been set for the procurement process, as the financing has yet to be secured.

The announcement highlights a broader challenge facing Estonia's emergency services, which must balance ageing equipment with tight public finances. Rescue helicopters play a critical role in medical evacuations and search-and-rescue operations across the country, making the fleet's condition a matter of public safety.