Active preparations have begun in Narva for the construction of a military base on the border with Russia, which will eventually host a unit of the Estonian Defence Forces.
The launch of preparatory works was marked by an official land exchange agreement between the Narva City Council and the state. Under the agreement, Narva will receive financial compensation of around €400,000, as well as a plot of land in the old town area, as reported by ERR.
According to Narva Mayor Katri Raik, the land received would be suitable for the construction of a small residential building. However, specific plans, approvals, and the search for investors will be discussed by the city authorities later, as the summer period is currently underway.
According to Ando Voogma, project portfolio manager at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment, the planned permanent military base will be built in a single phase. Construction is expected to begin at the end of this year and be fully completed by summer 2028.
At the same time, a temporary military base made of special container units will be established in Narva, with construction expected to be completed much earlier — by the beginning of 2027. The first stage of the defence project envisages the deployment of a military unit of up to 150 personnel.
According to the General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces, the Defence Ministry plans to station a unit of the 1st Infantry Brigade in Narva.
Overall, the new border military base will have a capacity of up to 1,000 personnel, although around 200 servicemen will be permanently stationed there.
