Challenges to Estonia’s internal security and rapidly evolving technologies require increasingly close cooperation between research and development institutions and testing environments. For this reason, on Thursday, 18 September, the leaders of Metrosert’s Applied Research Center (ARC) and the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences met to explore ways to enhance the country’s defense capabilities and internal security.
The meeting focused on innovation and practical solutions in the development of unmanned aerial systems—both in terms of research and development priorities and future plans. Metrosert’s ARC provided an overview of its research and development directions and laboratory capabilities, while the Academy introduced the potential of its development centers, research priorities, and upcoming initiatives.
Veiko Randlaine, head of the Academy’s Remote Sensing Research and Development Center, noted that the development of Estonia’s drone industry requires not only testing facilities but also strong R&D and a clear, up-to-date legal framework. “Cooperation between Metrosert and the Academy helps combine knowledge and laboratory capabilities, enabling safe testing of new solutions and supporting Estonia’s security,” said Randlaine.
Head of Drone Technologies at Metrosert’s Applied Research Center, Rainer Kivimäe, emphasized that it is essential to approach complex topics collaboratively and create new strategic value. He highlighted that joint and coordinated action generates value for the entire drone technology sector and for the Estonian state.
“Estonian companies need various testing capabilities that Metrosert and the Academy can provide together for the development of innovative new products,” added Raivo Kasepuu, Business Development Manager of the Drone Technologies Unit at Metrosert.
All parties agreed that creating synergy is critically important at the national level. While Metrosert focuses on developing technological capabilities, the Academy contributes knowledge and experience on how to integrate these technologies most effectively into operational work.
“It is important to ensure that new projects and collaboration platforms lead to comprehensive development rather than remaining isolated initiatives,” added Randlaine.
