Estonia Emerges as a Key Player in NATO DIANA Defence Innovation Effort

Wayren and Telearmy to receive exclusive NATO support to tackle crucial defense challenges.

In a field of more than 2,600 applicants from across the NATO Alliance, two of Estonia’s defense sector companies – Wayren and Telearmy – have been selected among a group of 15 advancing to Phase 2 of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program that connects 75 innovation centres worldwide.

Wayren and Telearmy are building solutions that tackle some of NATO’s toughest defense challenges in modern warfare:

• Wayren builds resilient battlefield communications networks that keep data and voice links alive even in disruption. They use a hybrid platform that seamlessly switches between satellite, radio, and mobile networks.

“Being selected for DIANA Phase 2 is a huge vote of confidence in our mission to ensure mission-cricial teams stay operational when it matters most. Our reliable communication platform provides rapid decision making and command and control capabilities even when everything else fails – with difficult terrain, disruptions and infrastructure failure. DIANA gives us the resources and partners to get our technology into the hands of NATO forces faster,” said Henry Härm, CEO of Wayren.

• Telearmy develops remote driving technology for military vehicles turning them into unmanned systems for logistics, reconnaissance, and evacuations in high-risk zones. Their next-generation system retrofits with any ground platform  from light ATVs to heavier armored vehicles . 

“Estonia’s size, tech-savviness, and openness to new technologies have given us unique tools to move with agility and bring deep technologies into real use cases. With our technology already war-proven in Ukraine, NATO DIANA’s quality stamp, and now high-level support, we can scale rapidly — turning any military vehicle into a remotely operated from very far distances, keeping soldiers out of danger and providing a more flexible way to operate on the changing battlefield” said Enn Laansoo Jr., CEO of Telearmy. 

Congratulating the companies, Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense, said:

“I am very pleased to see Estonia’s contribution to NATO DIANA stand out so strongly. The fact that three of the teams that accelerated here in Estonia – including two of our own defense industry companies – have advanced to the next stage shows how quickly Estonian entrepreneurs can adapt, act and seize opportunities. The same applies to our Defense Forces, who have been on board with testing new solutions.” 

Each company will receive €300,000 in non-dilutive funding, access to NATO test centers, and tailored support to move their technology closer to operational use through NATO’s Rapid Adoption Service program.

Standing alongside the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, Estonia is one of the only countries represented by two or more firms, giving Estonia one of the strongest showings among NATO nations in the second phase. This comes at a time when Estonia has committed to raise its defense spending to 5.4% of GDP by 2026, with a projected €10 billion investment over 2026-2029. Already in 2025, defense expenditures are expected to be about 3.38% of GDP which sets Estonia well above the EU and NATO averages.

Media contact 

Miltton USA

Carlos Sunila 

carlos.sunila@miltton.com

About NATO DIANA

NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is NATO’s program to boost defense innovation. It was launched in 2023 to help Allies develop and adopt cutting-edge technologies faster. DIANA connects more than 75 test centers and accelerators across Europe and North America, giving startups and researchers a place to test dual-use civil and defense tech. Estonia was chosen as a host country for DIANA because of its global reputation in digital innovation, cybersecurity, and its dynamic startup ecosystem, making it a natural hub for advancing NATO’s defense technology goals. Each year, DIANA runs challenge programs where innovators compete to solve real military problems.

About Estonia’s Defense Industry

Estonia has built one of the most agile and innovation-driven defence sectors in Europe. With more than 100 companies in the Estonian Defense and Aerospace Industry Association, the sector specializes in autonomy, cybersecurity, secure communications, and advanced training systems. Estonia invests over 3% of its GDP in defense – among the highest in NATO – ensuring that new technologies are rapidly tested, fielded, and integrated. This focus has made Estonia a country where defense innovations move quickly from concept to combat-ready capability. 

About Estonia

Estonia is a global leader in digital innovation. Known for its e-governance, the world's first e-residency program, and boasting the highest number of startups per capita, Estonia offers a hassle-free and competitive business environment for global businesses. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions, Estonia is a trusted partner in business and diplomacy. Whether for work, investment, or exploration, Estonia provides a unique blend of innovation, opportunity, and quality of life. Situated in Northern Europe, Estonia consistently ranks high internationally for liberal democracy, political stability, economic freedom, and low corruption. Expert at adapting through innovation, Estonia is ready to tackle seemingly impossible challenges with the promise of a better future

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