Estonian Border Guard
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This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (September 2008) |
| Estonian Border Guard Eesti Piirivalve |
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| Active | 1 November, 1922–1940 1991–present |
| Country | Estonia |
| Role | Border guard |
| Part of | Ministry of Interior |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Ants Kurvits |
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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 Border Guard posts have helipads.
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Aircraft [edit]
The fleet consist of some fixed and rotary wing aircraft. New Agusta 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 480 | United States |
training and patrol helicopter | 1 |
One week in autumn 2011 there were no operational AW-139 available. To prevent situations like this in the future it is important for the Border Guard to acquire additional aircraft or further develop their medium helicopter capability Estonian Defence Forces (SAR available).
Main tasks of Aviation unit is:
- SAR
- Patrolling of Estonian border
- Transport
- Support for other institutions
Former aircraft [edit]
In 1995 Estonia received 4 surplus Mi-8, and 2 L-410 from Germany. These aircraft were provided to the Border Guard. Several of the helicopters were modified and adapted for search and rescue operations and painted in appropriate SAR colours instead of original military 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. |
See also [edit]
External links [edit]
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