Former Estonian Air Force Chief: Single stray drones don't warrant full airspace closure

Former Estonian Air Force Commander Jaak Tarien says closing the entire airspace over single stray drones is unnecessary. He also cast doubt on whether Russia is capable of hijacking drones and redirecting them precisely into Estonian airspace.

Estonia's former Air Force Commander [Jaak Tarien](/politicians/jaak-tarien) has argued that isolated drone incursions into Estonian airspace do not justify shutting down the entire airspace. His remarks come amid growing concern over unmanned aerial vehicles straying across the country's borders.

Tarien also expressed scepticism about Russia's technical capability to intercept and redirect drones with enough precision to deliberately steer them into Estonian airspace. While drone jamming is a known tactic, he suggested that taking full control of a drone and guiding it to a specific destination is a far more complex challenge.

The comments add nuance to a debate that has intensified across the Baltic region as drone sightings near sensitive areas have become more frequent. Authorities and defence analysts have been weighing how to respond proportionately without causing unnecessary disruption to civilian aviation.