Drums of war in Europe: Estonia builds bunkers in the face of a possible Russian threat

The construction of the first five bunkers on Estonia's border with Russia began last week as part of the creation of what is known as the Baltic Defense Line, the Estonian Center for Defense Investment reported on Wednesday.

In the next phase, which will extend over the coming months, another 23 bunkers will be built, while a total of 600 underground shelters are planned to be installed in the northeast and southeast of the Baltic country by the end of 2027.

According to a statement, the construction of a first 3.4-kilometer section of an anti-tank trench will also begin in the near future, which will reach 40 kilometers in length once completed.

Lieutenant Colonel of the Estonian Defense Forces Ainar Afanasjev pointed out the importance of carefully selecting the location of the bunkers and trenches so that they adapt to the Army's defense plans and the characteristics of the terrain.

"It is essential that these decisions are well thought out and coordinated with the units," he declared.

In addition, Afanasjev added that the primary purpose of the bunkers is to protect Estonian soldiers from direct hits by the 152-millimeter artillery ammunition used by the Russian Army in the event of a hypothetical military confrontation with the neighboring country.