Tallinn, 26.09.2025
As part of the first-ever Estonian Defence Week – the largest defence week in the Baltics – the title of Defence Industry Company of the Year was awarded yesterday to a consortium of Estonian companies developing a Space Cyber Range. The Commander of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, was also recognized for his role in strengthening cooperation with Estonia’s defence industry.
The award ceremony took place at the Seaplane Harbour in Tallinn during Estonian Defence Week (EDW), which is being held in both Tallinn and Tartu. Unlike in previous years, when the award went to a single company, this year the jury chose to honour a consortium of space technology leaders: Spaceit, CGI Estonia, CybExer Technologies, the University of Tartu, and the CR14 Foundation.
Led by Spaceit, the consortium signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) earlier this year to establish the Space Cyber Range. This innovative virtual environment will allow organizations to test and develop secure satellite technologies and solutions, conduct cyber exercises, and train specialists – all before equipment is launched into orbit. The range is scheduled to become operational in 2026.
Accepting the award on behalf of the consortium were Lauri Kimmel, CTO of Spaceit, and Sille Kraam, Business Director for Space and Remote Sensing at CGI Estonia. According to Kraam, the key to delivering critical and innovative solutions lies in collaboration: “The Space Cyber Range is a prime example of how partnerships between Estonian companies and research institutions lead to world-class innovation. It plays a vital role in safeguarding space technologies, not only in Estonia and Europe but also globally.”
Kalev Koidumäe, CEO of the Estonian Defence and Space Industry Association (EKTL), highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in the defence sector: “The number of cyberattacks has increased significantly, and much of modern warfare has shifted into cyberspace. Protecting critical infrastructure that depends on satellite connectivity is essential. The fact that Estonian companies are building the Space Cyber Range once again demonstrates that our expertise and innovation put us at the forefront globally. This range will provide a practical and much-needed testing environment that enhances cybersecurity know-how not only in Estonia and Europe but, we hope, worldwide”.
Given the defence sector’s reliance on space technologies, Koidumäe noted that the test range represents one of the most important global security capability developments in both civilian and military domains where Estonian companies are making a direct contribution.
In addition to the Defence Industry Company of the Year award, the Open to Change award was also presented, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact on the development of the defence industry. This year’s recipient was Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Defence Forces.
“During his tenure, Andrus Merilo has significantly expanded cooperation between the Defence Forces and the Estonian defence industry. A good example is this year’s major exercise SIIL, where defence industry companies participated extensively for the first time, testing their products and receiving direct feedback. Equally important is Merilo’s decision to establish the Defence Forces’ Innovation and Future Capabilities Command, which will become a key partner for defence industry companies”, said Koidumäe.
Founded in February 2009, the Estonian Defence and Space Industry Association today brings together nearly 200 companies covering all major areas of the defence industry. Its mission is to create better market opportunities for member companies’ defence-related products and services and to serve as a strategic partner to the Estonian state – thereby strengthening national defence capabilities and supporting economic growth.
Further information:
Kalev Koidumäe
CEO
Estonian Defence and Space Industry Association
kalev.koidumae@defence.ee