Hevi Optronics develops and manufactures electro-optical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, including drone countering systems.

The new building, to be erected in Tabasalu, just west of Tallinn, will not only increase production volume but also create the capacity to develop, test and mass-produce new products, the company says.

Hevi Optronics' production manager, Lauri Valdmann, said the changed security situation in Europe has created a significant need to expand defense capabilities. "At the same time, we do not view the investment in the new production facility solely in the context of the current geopolitical situation. Electro-optical systems are becoming increasingly important on various platforms on land, at sea and in the air," Valdmann said.

Valdmann noted the company has grown very rapidly in recent years, adding its production and development facilities, currently spread across several buildings, had hampered further development. "We will bring all our development and production capabilities together under the one roof in the new building. In addition to assembling electronics and systems, we will significantly boost our in-house precision mechanics manufacturing capacities, and create a more modern testing and development environment," Valdmann continued.

With the expansion will come job creation, primarily in production and engineering positions, Valdmann added. "We need more mechanical, electronics and software engineers, production and quality specialists, CNC workers, and people involved in system assembly and testing."

Modern unmanned systems, surveillance solutions and other defense platforms require increasingly advanced sensors, stabilization, image processing and automation, the company says, adding a long-term need has emerged in Europe to expand local defense industry production capacities and reduce dependence on supply chains beyond Europe.

Hevi Optronics mostly exports, but the primary focus of its future growth is Europe. The company's customers and partners are system integrators whose solutions incorporate the electro-optical systems and components developed and manufactured by Hevi Optronics.

At the same time, the domestic market is important too, Hevi says, including the overall defense industry ecosystem.

Hevi Optronics last year reported a nearly three-fold sales revenues growth to €27.15 million, compared with €9.94 million in 2024. The company currently employs more than 30 people.

The Tabasalu plant was designed by Kontsept Arhitektuuribüroo, and Mapri Ehitus is the primary construction contractor.

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!