Estonian Air Navigation Services Upgrades Surveillance Systems to Support Wind Farms

The Estonian Air Navigation Services (EANS) is upgrading its air surveillance systems to enhance Estonia's energy security and promote the use of green energy. These upgrades will facilitate the construction of taller offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Riga and on Estonia’s islands in the future.

Until now, significant restrictions have been placed on wind farm construction for national defense purposes, as wind turbines can interfere with air surveillance radars and other air traffic management systems. However, the government has decided to ease these restrictions to support the transition to climate-neutral energy production. This will not compromise national defense, as compensatory measures will be put in place. Offshore wind turbines in Western Estonia could potentially reach up to 400 meters in height.

"Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and smooth flow of air traffic in Estonian airspace," said Ivar Värk, Chairman of the Board of EANS. "We are also always open to collaborations that help Estonia advance. This initiative supports the development of green energy production while allowing us to maintain a high level of airspace security with updated surveillance technology."

This large-scale, dual-purpose project is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and is fully funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU recovery package. EANS has been allocated €5.1 million to modify its surveillance systems to minimize the impact of wind farms.

EANS organized three major public procurements and one smaller tender for the project. Indra Sistemas SA was awarded the radar procurement contract, while EANS continues its partnership with Thales Italia S.P.A. for the WAM system expansion and renewal. Bauest OÜ won the construction procurement, and Telora OÜ was selected for the owner supervision tender, with both companies based locally.

“As of the end of September, contracts have been signed with suppliers to acquire a new radar and update other air surveillance technologies, allowing us to move forward quickly,” said Viljar Vooremäe, Project Manager at the EANS Technical Department. “With the new radar and upgraded systems, we will be able to support the renewable energy transition through our operations.”

In addition to the new radar, the existing WAM system will be expanded, and the radar building will be modernized. ADS-B technology will also be implemented, and the data from the Estonian Air Force’s radar system will be integrated, further enhancing situational awareness for air traffic controllers and flight information service officers. All project activities are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Estonian Air Navigation Services, a state-owned company, provides safe, digital air traffic services for both manned and unmanned flights, develops aviation infrastructure, and manages Estonian airspace.