maavägi

Maavägi, literally meaning "land army," is the land forces arm of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF). It is the component responsible for ground-based military operations and is one of the three service branches of the EDF, alongside the Navy (Merevägi) and the Air Force (Õhuvägi). The Maavägi conducts national defense, territorial defense, and operations in support of civil authorities, and it collaborates with international partners to enhance interoperability with NATO and other allied forces.

Organization and roles: The Maavägi combines professional troops and reserve units, with training tailored to infantry, reconnaissance, artillery, engineers, and supporting arms. It emphasizes rapid mobilization, distributed basing, and network-enabled capabilities to counter contemporary threats. Beyond homeland defense, it participates in international missions and NATO-led operations as part of Estonia’s commitment to allied security.

History and development: The term reflects the historic Estonian Army that fought for independence in 1918–1920. After regaining independence in 1991, Estonia reestablished and modernized its land forces within the EDF, aligning with Western military standards. Since the 2000s, the Maavägi has integrated with NATO planning and exercises and hosts multinational training activities and foreign deployments as part of collective defense.

Equipment and readiness: The Maavägi uses modern, interoperable equipment obtained through allied support and national procurement, prioritizing mobility, survivability, and network-enabled operations. It relies on a mix of full-time personnel and reserve forces to sustain readiness for both domestic defense and international cooperation.