According to militaryleak.com, Estonia has become the first country to equip itself with a mobile anti-ship system with Israel’s Blue Spear 5G SSM anti-ship missile.
A statement from the Estonian Center for Defense Investment (ECDI) stated that the equipping of the Blue Spear 5G SSM anti-ship missile system represents a leap forward in Estonia’s maritime combat capabilities. This high-tech missile system is capable of operating in all weather conditions day and night. With a range of up to 290 km, this system will become an important part of Estonia’s comprehensive coastal defense complex.
Blue Spear 5G SSM anti-ship missile. Photo: news.err.ee
“The Blue Spear 5G SSM anti-ship missile system together with mines form the basis of Estonia’s maritime defense in the coming decades,” Navy Commander Jüri Saska affirmed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur said that this event is an important milestone, opening a new page in Estonia’s defense strategy, significantly increasing the country’s naval potential as well as its capabilities. Estonia’s general defense capabilities. “The presence of Blue Spears in the Navy significantly increases the range of the Estonian Defense Forces and strengthens deterrence against security threats,” said Minister Hanno Pevkur.
Blue Spear 5G SSM is a 5th generation missile developed by Proteus Advanced Systems, a joint venture between defense industry group Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Singaporean company ST Engineering Land Systems.
The Estonian government decided to purchase the missile system in 2020 and the contract between ECDI and Proteus Advanced Systems was signed in 2021. This project also includes the participation of the Estonian defense industry company Pro Lift OÜ.
According to the website of Estonian Television Station ERR, the Blue Spear 5G SSM rocket project cost Estonia about 100 million euros, including infrastructure investment and future maintenance costs.
GIA HUY
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