General Ühtegi: Estonia Needs Entirely New Firearms Law

Retired Defence League commander General Riho Ühtegi argues that since 2022, interest in firearms for self-defense purposes has surged dramatically in Estonia. He believes the state must comprehensively review its current firearms policy and adopt an entirely new firearms law.

Estonia has undergone a significant shift in attitudes toward firearms in recent years. Riho Ühtegi, a retired Defence League commander and general, highlights that since 2022, interest in firearms has surged dramatically—primarily for self-defense and protecting loved ones, rather than for hunting or sport shooting.

According to Ühtegi, it is positive that society has begun openly discussing firearms policy and that legislators are making changes that account for the altered security environment. However, he does not believe that amending existing laws is sufficient—the general is convinced that Estonia needs a fundamentally new approach to firearms legislation.

This position is grounded in the understanding that current regulations were developed under different security conditions and no longer meet today's needs. The start of the war in Ukraine in 2022 has changed the mindset of many Estonians—people want to be prepared for crisis situations and feel greater responsibility for the safety of their families and communities.

In General Ühtegi's view, a new firearms law should be drafted from scratch, taking into account both the changed security environment and the actual needs of citizens. His message to society is clear: firearms policy reform is not merely a technical matter, but part of a broader discussion on preparedness and civic responsibility that concerns every Estonian.