Estonia Receives Long-Range Blue Spear Anti-Ship Missiles
The Estonian Center for Defense Investments (ECDI) announced on 9 February, that Blue Spear (5th Generation SSM) Anti-Ship Missiles developed by Proteus Advanced Systems, a joint venture of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and ST Engineering Land Systems, have arrived in the country.
This delivery, which represents a significant advance in Estonia’s naval warfare capabilities, was carried out in accordance with the contract signed on October 6, 2021, by the Estonian Center for Defense Investment (ECDI) and Proteus Advanced Systems. However, the contract’s exact cost and the number of weapon systems supplied were not disclosed. What is currently known is that since the Estonian Navy does not have warships, the missile batteries will be land-based. Estonia has already established a Coastal Defense Division and trained numerous personnel for this purpose.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur remarked on the delivery, saying:
“The acquisition of anti-ship missiles is of critical importance for raising the level of the Navy’s and, more broadly, Estonia’s defence capabilities. We have reached another significant milestone, which is necessary for ensuring the security of the people of Estonia and for defending the country at sea, on land, and in the air. The presence of Blue Spears in the Navy significantly increases the firing range of the Estonian Defence Forces and strengthens deterrence against a potential aggressor.”
Estonian Navy Commander Jüri Saska added “the Blue Spear 5G anti-ship missile system, together with sea mines, forms the cornerstone of Estonian maritime defense for the coming decades. I thank the contracting partners and the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, who have adhered to deadlines and made significant efforts despite difficult times. I thank the naval personnel who have shown determination, patience, and willpower in commissioning both mentioned weapon systems.”
The Blue Spear missile system, the most recent addition to the Estonian Defense Forces, is a fifth-generation advanced weapon capable of carrying out long-range precision strikes against ships and land targets in complex scenarios and all-weather conditions. The system, which was unveiled at the 2022 Singapore Air Show by Proteus Advanced Systems, a joint venture of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and ST Engineering Land Systems, shares the same heritage with the Gabriel sea-skimming anti-ship missile family system that IAI has developed over many years.
The Blue Spear missile is powered by a turbojet engine that runs on liquid jet fuel and can reach a maximum range of 290 km at subsonic speeds. This missile weighs 760 kg and has a 5.34-meter-long, 150-kg high-explosive insensitive munition warhead. The warhead employs an active radar homing seeker, precise INS-based navigation capabilities, and a robust system that is resistant to GPS disruptions and capable of acquiring targets with high accuracy. The systems are also equipped with a variety of deception tools to help them complete their mission and deal with various battlefield challenges.