| Estonian Defence League | |
|---|---|
| Kaitseliit | |
 | |
| Active | 1918–1940 1990–present |
| Country |  Estonia |
| Type | Light infantry, Militia |
| Size | Defence League: 18,000 (2024)[1] Affiliate organizations: 11,000 (2024) |
| Anniversaries | 11 November (formed) 17 February (restored) |
| Engagements | Estonian War of Independence |
| Website | www |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Major general Ilmar Tamm |
| Chief of Staff | Colonel Eero Rebo |
The Estonian Defence League (Estonian: Kaitseliit, 'Defence League') is a voluntary national defence organization of the Republic of Estonia, under management of the Ministry of Defence. Its aim is to guarantee the preservation of the independence and sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its land area and its constitutional order.
The Defence League possesses arms and engages in military exercises, fulfilling the tasks given to it by the law. The organization is divided into 4 Territorial Defence Districts that consist of 15 Defence League regional units, called malevs, whose areas of responsibility mostly coincide with the borders of Estonian counties.
- ^ "Estonian Defence League". kaitseliit.ee. Retrieved 18 April 2024.