Senior U.S. Army Representative Discusses Security Assistance During Estonia Visit
November 6, 2019
The Commanding General, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Major General Jeffrey Drushal, traveled to Estonia for the first time November 5-6. During his two-day stay, he met with the Estonian Ministry of Defense’s Undersecretary for Defense Planning, Mr. Meelis Oidsalu, and Director General of the Estonian Center for Defense Investment, Mr. Kusti Salm, in Tallinn. In Tartu, he visited with U.S. instructors and senior leaders of the Baltic Defense College. Major General Drushal discussed areas of cooperation related to U.S. Army security assistance to Estonia, including defense capability development, Estonia’s priorities for the procurement of military equipment, and professional military education.
During his visit, Major General Drushal noted, “Estonia is a valued NATO Ally and an essential defense partner. The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command is dedicated to supporting Estonia with its defense investments and procurement of U.S. military equipment. This will further the Estonian Defense Forces’ interoperability with NATO, and through the acquisition of modern defense capabilities, their ability to protect Estonia’s national sovereignty. It is apparent that Estonia is a capable Ally that is strongly committed to investing in its defense needs.”
The United States has provided more than $100 million in overall security assistance to Estonia over the last several years, and conducts nearly 150 military-to-military engagements annually with over 60 of those taking place with U.S. personnel in Estonia.
