Commencement of military camp construction in Narva, Estonia set for 2026
In a move aimed at strengthening its eastern border defenses, Estonia has announced plans to build a new military base in the town of Narva, located in the country's northeast. The base, scheduled to commence construction in 2026, is set to accommodate up to 1,000 soldiers and will cost approximately €15 million.
The location for the base has been selected in the Kadastiku industrial area, on the outskirts of Narva. This site was chosen due to its size and distance from residential areas, schools, and kindergartens, addressing local concerns about safety and disturbance.
The establishment of the base aligns with Estonia's broader military buildup, which includes increased troop presence on the Russian border and enhanced capabilities such as the US-supplied HIMARS missile systems. This defensive strategy is a response to the perceived threat of Russian aggression, particularly given Narva's large Russian-speaking population and the Kremlin's reported interest in sparking unrest there.
This base is a key element in Estonia’s defense strategy amid growing regional security concerns. The new military camp is designed to make the residents of the border town feel at home in Estonia, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the military and the local community.
[1] Estonian Public Broadcasting, "Estonia to Build Military Base in Narva," accessed on 1st March 2026,
War-and-conflicts and politics are intertwined in Estonia's decision to build a new military base in Narva, as the move aligns with a broader military buildup in response to perceived Russian aggression. General news outlets, such as Estonian Public Broadcasting, Reuters, and BBC News, have reported on this defensive strategy and the potential risks it poses for the large Russian-speaking population in the area.
