The US Department of Defense has signed a Security of Supply Arrangement with Estonia to support the two defense industries’ supply chain resiliency.
The arrangement underlines the countries’ commitment to support resource deliveries with working groups, advanced communication systems, and streamlined responses to unprecedented supply chain issues.
The move is a part of the US’ Securing Defense-Critical Supply Chains program, an initiative launched in 2022 to circumvent ongoing supply vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combatting Supply Shortages
The agreement states that the US will provide Estonia assurances under the US Defense Priorities and Allocations System, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and Department of Commerce.
“This Security of Supply Arrangement is a robust addition to our prolific defense partnership with Estonia,” Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Undersecretary Dr. William A. LaPlante said.
“This joining together will strengthen our respective national security and supply resiliency for years to come.”
Similarly, Estonia will ensure that local firms will volunteer to provide priority support to the US in the event of industrial defense issues.
The arrangement comes amid Estonia’s ongoing defense modernization efforts. Recently, its Center for Defense Investments announced a 693-million euro ($730.5 million) contract with Latvia to update its military vehicles.
Estonia is the 14th nation to sign a security arrangement with the US. Other countries include Australia, the UK, Canada, Denmark, and Finland.
