Estonia minister quits over ammunition deal with India-owned firm that never arrived

04-Sep-2026

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Estonia's Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur resigned after a €70 million ammunition deal meant to aid Ukraine became a scandal. The contract with an Indian-owned company lacking prior experience failed to deliver quality artillery shells despite advance payments. Estonia's National Audit Office criticized defence fund management, and the dispute is now in European arbitration. 

While the Prime Minister found no personal fault with Pevkur, the incident highlighted political responsibility amid Estonia's increased defence spending and ongoing support for Ukraine amid Russian threats.