| Estonian Border Guard Eesti Piirivalve |
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|---|---|
| Active | 14 November, 1918–1940 1991–present |
| Country | Estonia |
| Role | Border guard |
| Part of | Ministry of Interior |
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The Estonian Border Guard (Estonian: Eesti Piirivalve) is the Estonian security authority responsible for the border security. It is a military organization, subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior. The Border Guard also assists with Search and Rescue missions. The Estonian Border Guard Aviation Corps (Piirivalve Lennusalk) provides air support the Estonian Border Guard (Piirivalve). It is based at the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. Most part of new Border Guard posts has helipads.
Contents |
The fleet consist of some fixed and rotary wing aircraft. New Augusta Westland AW-139 helicopters were bought with European Union funds support.
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Let L-410UVP | Czech Republic | transport and patrol aircraft | 2 | Former German Air Force (prior to that, former East German Air force) |
| Cessna 172R | United States | training and patrol aircraft | 1 | |
| AgustaWestland AW139 | Italy | rescue, patrol and transport helicopter | 3 | Entered service in 2007, 2008 and 2011. |
| Enstrom 480B | United States | training and patrol helicopter | 1 |
It must be noted, that one week in 2011 autumn Estonia was without any operational AW-139 available. To prevent situations like this it is important to get some additional aircraft for Border Guard or to develop medium helicopter capability in Estonian Defence Forces (SAR available).
Main tasks of Aviation unit is:
In 1995 Estonia got 4 Mi-8, 2 L-410 from Germany as surplus. Because it was many problem with border protection and control it was made a decision to give aircraft for border guard functions. Some of helicopters was prepared for search and rescue functions and painted in SAR colours instead of original camouflage.
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi-8 SAR | Soviet Union | rescue, patrol and transport helicopter | 4 | Former German Air Force (prior to that, former East German Air force)
One Mi-8 is in Tartu Aviation museum. |