Air Defence Battalion (Estonia)
| Air Defence Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Õhutõrjepataljon | |
Emblem
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| Active | 1928–1940 1992–present |
| Country |
 Estonia
|
| Branch | Estonian Land Forces |
| Role | Air-Defence |
| Size | Battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | Tapa |
| Anniversaries | 1 October |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Major Tanel Lelov |
The Air Defence Battalion (Estonian: Õhutõrjepataljon; formerly known as the Air Defence Division, Õhutõrjedivisjon) is the Estonian Defence Forces air-defence artillery force which has a supportive military formation role among the Estonian Ground Forces. Other units might have an anti-aircraft missile component, but the Air Defence Battalion is a unit dedicated to air-defence and relying on other units for infantry support, especially when defending. The main task of this formation is to provide air-defence protection and light gun support for the infantry brigades operating on the battlefield.
The official history of the Õhutõrjepataljon begins in 1928 when on October 1 an air-defence artillery group was established. This date is also held as the anniversary of unit.
With the restoration of independence in Estonia the unit was re-established. On May 22, 1992 a Single Radiotechnical Air Defence Battalion was created under the branch of the Air Force. From 1992 to 1996 the unit main task was mainly to guard the former Soviet military bases which were taken over gradually by the Estonian Defence Forces during the Soviet department from Estonia. On May 1, 1997 the military formation was renamed into Õhutõrjedivisjon and later in the same year the unit was redesignated under the Ground Force command. Till 2003 the majority of the unit was based in Tallinn and in smaller numbers in Tapa. Since January 1, 2004 the formation now operates in Tapa garrison and is part of the Kirde Defence District. On July 1, 2008 the Õhutõrjedivisjon was renamed into Õhutõrjepataljon.
The unit peacetime structure and size is in the borders of a battalion. Currently it is the only air defence role military formation among the Estonian Defence Forces. The training and combat preparations have been divided into three categories which include the:
The Õhutõrjepataljon has a three-month cycle of basic training, which focuses on basic soldier skills and knowledge according to the Estonian Defense Forces on global basis. Specialized training course will take place in the field of anti-aircraft training. The learning in order to be able to operate an anti-aircraft weapon as a team is carried out by anti-aircraft weapon simulators.
The official battle flag of the Air Defence Battalion dates back to the creation of the first anti-aircraft unit among the Estonian Defence Forces in 1928. As the pre-war flag has not been preserved the new flag received along with the restoration of the formation its blessing at the Kaarli Church in Tallinn on October 1, 1998. The main color of the flag is sky blue where the unit insignia is placed in the center. Above the symbol there is the original name and below is the date of the creation of the battalion written. The second half of the flag is a designed flag of Estonia. It is placed in the middle of a golden coat of arms of Estonia, the top three blue lions. Above the coat of arms is written in golden letters "To protect the homes of Estonia." Until the upper edge of the coat of arms surrounded by two golden oak branches.
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Wikipedia