Ants Laaneots

Ants Laaneots
Ants Laaneots in 2015
Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces
In office
5 December 2006  5 December 2011
PresidentToomas Hendrik Ilves
Preceded byTarmo Kõuts
Succeeded byRiho Terras
Personal details
Born (1948-01-16) 16 January 1948
Kilingi-Nõmme, Estonia
Military service
Allegiance Soviet Union (19661991)
 Estonia (19912011)
Branch/service Soviet Army
Estonian Defense Force
Years of service1966–2011
Rank General
Commands
Battles/warsEthiopian Civil War
Awards1st Class of the Order of the Cross of the Eagle
Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Commander 1st class of the Order of the Polar Star
Commander Degree of the Legion of Merit

Ants Laaneots (born 16 January 1948) is an Estonian politician and former military officer. He was previously the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces and a veteran officer in the Soviet Army. Laaneots previously served as the Commandant of the Estonian National Defence College from 2001 to 2006. He was appointed the Commander-in-Chief on 5 December 2006 and was promoted to general in 2011. After retiring from the military, he became a politician.