06:48 GMT, April 30, 2009 TALLINN | Estonia and Finland plan to purchase 14 medium-range Ground Master 403 radar systems from the French company Thales Raytheon Systems, Estonia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Two radar systems, costing 724,000 euros ($960,000) each, will be installed in Estonia to cover airspace in and around the country, supplementing Estonia's single long-range radar.

"Estonia is a NATO member and needs to have its own basic radar shield covering its territory and, to a certain extent, beyond the borders of the alliance," Defense Minister Jaak Aaviksoo said.

Aaviksoo said Estonia was able to save 50% of the cost of the contract by cooperating with Finland. The radar systems will be paid for by 2014.

The sales contract is expected to be signed in the near future.