Estonia's defence at risk: Wind farms threaten security

All wind farms interfere with naval operations to varying degrees, - says Commander Ivo Vark. In the photo, Estonian minehunter EML Admiral Cowan

The development of onshore and offshore wind farms limits the defence capabilities of Estonia and NATO, and the installations pose a security threat, stated the head of the Military Intelligence Agency, Colonel Ants Kiviselg, on Thursday. Commander Ivo Vark, the navy commander, shares a similar opinion.

- They disrupt radio intelligence, complicate the reception and positioning of signals from enemy territory and ultimately shorten early warning times – which are critical in the event of an enemy attack – Kiviselg assessed in a Thursday interview for ERR radio. He also noted that this negatively affects NATO's defence capabilities, especially in terms of detecting foreign objects.

Earlier this month, representatives of the armed forces and the climate ministry assured that they are taking actions to mitigate the potential impact of wind turbines, which according to national plans are to be established by 2033, on military operations.

Even a significant delay in response time

As part of these actions, the purchase of new radar systems is planned, which will be particularly used on the northwestern coast of Estonia and in the area of the largest islands – Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

As Kiviselg explained, the shortened early warning time means that in the case of a drone that might accidentally cross the Estonian border, detecting it becomes "more difficult." - If we talk about the worst-case scenario – such as a potential military attack against Estonia – shortened early warning times could have critical implications. For instance, early warning for launched missiles – whether Iskander missiles or missiles launched from aircraft – could be reduced if we fail to detect the takeoff of an aircraft or its pre-launch manoeuvres. Here, we are talking about minutes or even tens of minutes of reduced warning time – the military official explained.

Related video: Sweden rejects applications for thirteen offshore wind farms, citing security concerns (Dailymotion)

According to navy commander Ivo Vark, signal detection distortions caused by reflections from moving and stationary turbine blades make it difficult to locate objects at sea. This affects not only combat unit missions but also rescue operations.

- All wind farms planned in Estonian waters – whether in territorial waters or the exclusive economic zone – disrupt our operations to varying degrees– said Vark, emphasising that the turbines deployed over areas extending several dozen kilometres create a sort of "barrier."

Swedes halt wind turbine constructions along the coastal belt

He also added that "the anti-ship missiles we use today are operated from land, and offshore wind farms impose significant limitations on their effectiveness." The commander of the Estonian navy admitted at the same time that he "fully" shares the view of the Swedish armed forces, whose intervention in wind energy plans due to threats from Russia, recently led the government in Stockholm to reject several wind farm projects in the coastal belt.

- I can say that everything Sweden has pointed out is entirely valid. I understand our colleagues' concerns. Since our operating environment, naval warfare doctrine and even the adversary – or threat – are similar, I fully share their view that offshore wind farms pose a security risk – he concluded.