Estonian defence companies bring innovation and cooperation to DALO Industry Days 2024

Estonia - hub of agile, adaptive and advanced defence. Estonia's defence industry sets new standards for addressing modern security challenges through advanced innovation, agility, and international cooperation.

As Estonia’s defence sector gears up for its second participation at DALO Industry Days, the Scandinavian region’s largest defence trade fair, Estonian companies are set to showcase cutting-edge innovations that address modern security challenges. At this year’s event, seven Estonian companies with the defence cluster will present a wide range of advanced defence capabilities, highlighting the country’s strong commitment to innovation and international collaboration.

A Diverse Range of Solutions

The Estonian pavilion promises to be a hotspot of activity, featuring an impressive array of technologies.

According to Rene Ehasalu , Cluster manager for Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association , who represents the national delegation, “It’s a wide range of capabilities Estonian defence companies offer at DALO. From counter-drone solutions and deployable shelter systems to IRS drones, mixed reality situational awareness systems, secure communication platforms, intelligence-gathering systems, and more.”

Joining the event with the Estonian stand are:

• Marduk Technologies - high precision electro-optical platforms for drone detection, classification, and targeting.
• Maru Defence - creating high-mobile defence systems to enhance combat resilience.
• KrattWorks - ISR drones with wide frequency band hopping radios and GNSS-free flight modes to help first responders and servicemen to gain fast situational awareness in situations where every second counts.
• SensusQ - tackles the toughest challenges in intelligence and decision-making software to deliver the operational advantages of ML/AI, deployed in the toughest environments.
• Vegvisir - Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System (MRSAS) that provides personnel of armoured vehicles a better understanding of their immediate surroundings and areas of interest further away.
• Wayren - Estonian Defence Tech startup, offers a cutting-edge platform ensuring uninterrupted communication for our troops.
• Englo - production of electronic and fine mechanical devices and measuring devices what are used in mines and military
• Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association - the mission of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association is to create better opportunities for their member companies on the markets of goods and services for defence & security purposes.

More information about Estonian companies & contact information: https://tradewithestonia.com/events/dalo-industry-days-2024/

Kristi K. , Estonia’s trade adviser in Denmark, emphasized that “Estonia’s defence industry companies set new standards for addressing modern security challenges through advanced innovation, agility, and international cooperation.”

Estonian companies benefit from a favourable business environment that encourages rapid innovation, and the country is highly committed to global security, working closely with NATO and supporting Ukraine in various capacities.

Strong International Partnerships

A recent milestone for the Estonian defence sector is a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March between Marduk Technologies and Saab , marking a significant step toward co-developing new defence capabilities. This partnership underscores Estonia’s commitment to strengthening its role in the North European defence market.

“Cooperation is key in defence right now,” Rene Ehasalu stated, pointing out that Estonian companies are open to various collaborations and that they have participated in numerous EDF (European Defence Fund) projects. In fact, nearly €70 million in grants have been awarded to Estonian companies over the years, boosting their ability to develop cutting-edge technologies.

Networking and B2B Opportunities

Networking is a major focus for Estonia’s presence at the event. Frimpong highlighted the importance of these interactions: “Meet us at the Estonian stand in the BSA hall—stands 085, 086, and 087—or join us for social networking at the end of the first day. We look forward to to meet DALO case officers, operational units, other international?delegations as well as watching live demonstrations, creating B2B connections.”

Both Ehasalu and Frimpong encourage attendees to engage with the Estonian delegation throughout the event. For those interested in exploring potential partnerships, visiting the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association website or connecting with companies directly on LinkedIn are excellent starting points.

Looking Forward

As Estonia continues to pledge over 3% of its GDP to defence, its companies are not only advancing national security but are also becoming key players in global defence technology. Their participation at DALO Industry Days 2024 showcases their readiness to collaborate, innovate, and provide solutions that address the ever-evolving security landscape.

Estonia's compact size makes the country flexible and enables to offer complex services. Estonia's commitment to advanced defence technology is supported by R&D funding backed by the Ministry of Defence.