Construction of Estonian Defence Forces base in Narva to be completed in summer 2028 — ERR News

Construction of an Estonian Defence Forces base in Narva, Estonia, will be completed in the summer of 2028 — six months later than originally scheduled. The project will cost more than €20 million, with around €19 million coming from the European Union Cohesion Fund, ERR News reports.

Initially, construction of the base was planned to be completed by the end of 2027. Its cost has increased by €5 million. Ando Voogma, portfolio manager for the northern and northeastern regions at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, linked the increase in costs to the war in Iran, higher oil prices and the clarification of Estonian Defence Forces requirements.

Delay due to land issue

According to Voogma, the project’s implementation was hampered by the previous political situation and the work of the Narva city administration, which delayed the allocation of land. The land swap has already been completed. A construction contract may be signed as early as October, although the main work will begin only next year.

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In the spring and summer of 2026, the work of Narva’s city authorities was paralyzed due to a confrontation between then-mayor Katri Raik and city council chairman Mikhail Stalnukhin. Raik was removed from office following a vote of no confidence on July 25, after which Jaan Toots of the Centre Party became mayor. The land swap necessary for the further implementation of the base project took place after that.

Temporary base and infrastructure

Until the permanent facility is completed, the Estonian Defence Forces plan to establish a presence in Narva at a temporary container base. Procurement for this facility is in its final stage, and a contract may be concluded in the coming weeks. Installation is due to begin at the end of the year, and the base is planned to be ready in January or February.

The temporary facility will be designed for a company-level unit. The permanent base will have a command-and-staff building, living quarters, a dining hall, facilities for storing and servicing equipment, a sports hall and the necessary infrastructure. The premises will be able to accommodate up to 500 people, with another 500 in tents; after opening, around 200 service members will serve at the base permanently.