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Russia Ordered Arson Attack on Estonia’s Milrem Robotics Defense Company, Authorities Say
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Estonia’s Internal Security Service (KAPO) has determined that the arson attack on the Tallinn premises of defense company Milrem Robotics was an act of sabotage commissioned by Russian intelligence services, ERR reported on September 29.
The incident occurred overnight on August 15. Estonian authorities said their conclusion followed an assessment of information gathered during the investigation, which remains ongoing.
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“Today, we can say with complete confidence that the arson at Milrem in Estonia on the night of August 15 was an act of sabotage commissioned by Russian intelligence services. The Internal Security Service reached this conclusion after a thorough assessment of the information collected,” Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.
Investigators are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Preliminary information had previously indicated that the arson was commissioned, while suspects in the case have since been detained and remanded in custody.
According to KAPO, the attack forms part of a broader Russian campaign in Europe aimed at intimidating Ukraine’s allies and reducing their support for Kyiv.
Estonian security officials warned that the threat of further provocations and attempted acts of sabotage linked to Russia remains.
“Russian intelligence services continue recruitment and influence attempts in Europe, including for the purpose of carrying out sabotage. Defense industry organizations and companies that contribute to supporting Ukraine are at increased risk. The Internal Security Service recommends that they strengthen physical and cyber protection measures,” KAPO said.
Estonian security services said they continue to closely monitor Russian activities and cooperate with domestic companies and international partners in response to potential threats.
Milrem Robotics, which is majority-owned by UAE-based defense group EDGE, is an Estonian company specializing in autonomous and unmanned ground vehicles.
The company has supplied unmanned ground systems to Ukraine for missions including battlefield logistics, reconnaissance, and explosive ordnance disposal. In June, Milrem Robotics opened a production line in the Netherlands, where Dutch funding is supporting the production of 100 additional vehicles for Ukraine.
The findings come as Estonia continues to strengthen its defense infrastructure. A planned military base in the eastern border city of Narva is expected to cost slightly more than €20 million (approximately $23 million), with completion now scheduled for summer 2028. The revised timeline puts the project about six months behind the original schedule.
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