On April 25, AmCham Estonia hosted a high-level Defense & Security Dialogue Speaker Luncheon at the elegant Swissotel Tallinn Ballroom. This exclusive event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss the rapidly evolving defense landscape, with a particular focus on technological innovation and global cooperation.
The luncheon was headlined by a keynote address from Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Minister of Defense. Minister Pevkur provided a compelling overview of Estonia’s current security posture, outlining the nation’s strategic priorities amidst ongoing geopolitical tension. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation, highlighting Estonia’s commitment to strengthening defense capabilities through partnerships and shared intelligence.
A lively and thought-provoking panel discussion followed, centered on the theme: “The Future and Potential of AI in Defense & Lessons Learned from Ukraine.” The panel featured leading voices from the defense sector, including Jason Nelsen of Raytheon | An RTX Business, Jaanus Tamm from DefSecIntel Solutions, and Jaak Tarien of Cybernetica. The session was skillfully moderated by Robin Teever, Senior Associate at SORAINEN law firm.
Panelists tackled the crucial role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare, stressing that AI’s real value lies not in the amount of data, but in how quickly that data can be accessed and acted upon. Drawing on insights from Ukraine’s defense against aggression, the speakers emphasized the importance of agility, interoperability, and precision. Key takeaways included:
- AI needs real, relevant data to be effective in defense—scenarios must be based on diverse, real-world circumstances.
- Speed is critical: both in acquiring information and responding to it.
- Interoperability is essential, particularly in coalition efforts like those seen in Ukraine.
- Precision and strategic focus can be game-changers, especially for smaller nations facing larger adversaries.
- Adaptability is not optional—“adapt or die” was a resonant call to action.
The event offered not only valuable insights but also fostered meaningful dialogue among defense professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders. It underscored the urgency of embracing innovation and collaboration in addressing the complex security challenges of our time.
A big thank you Sorainen Law Firm for a great cooperation, and to Raytheon RTX and Palo Alto Networks for support and partnership!
Photos by Rasmus Pitkänen, A Cube Agency