As part of a security package aimed at strengthening the defensive capabilities of NATO’s eastern flank countries, the United States has completed the delivery of the first six new HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to equip the Estonian Army. The delivery ceremony took place at the Lockheed Martin facilities, the main supplier of the operation through the FMS Program, at its headquarters in Arkansas.

U.S. Marines with 2nd battalion, 14th Marine regiment, 4th Marine Division fire rockets from a high mobility artillery rockets M142 System during assault support tactics 2, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course (WTI) 2-17 at Artillery Fire Area 1, Slab City, Calif., April 19, 2017. AST-2 is an exercise focused on executing a dual-site, simultaneous night raid with a company sized element that integrates combined arms using the six functions of WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. AaronJames B.Vinculado)

In July 2022, the U.S. Department of State authorized the potential sale of up to six (6) M142 HIMARS for a total of USD 500 million. One of the key highlights of this U.S. FMS Program operation was the potential sale of 36 ATACMS ballistic missiles, compatible with the rocket artillery system and with a range of 300 kilometers.

This was mentioned with little additional detail by Ramil Lipp, Head of the Armament Category at Estonia’s National Defense Investment Center, who stated: “As part of the contract signed with the DSCA, we are also acquiring ammunition, communication solutions, training, logistical and lifecycle support. The package includes rockets with different ranges.”

As part of the next steps in the integration process, this first batch of rocket artillery systems is expected to arrive soon in Estonia to join the ranks of the Baltic country’s army. Additionally, the delivery will include a complete set of ammunition and associated systems. It is important to note that Estonian Army personnel have already been trained to operate the artillery system immediately, thanks to prior training conducted before the delivery.

The Chief of Staff of the Artillery Battalion, Tanel Tatsi, remarked, “Starting this summer, we will have a long-range precision strike capability with the HIMARS, which significantly expands our defense options. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with the U.S. HIMARS Forward Command ‘Victory,’ stationed in Estonia, we have already prepared the personnel for our future rocket artillery battery to operate the systems as soon as they arrive. This has been made possible by the outstanding work of our command team, who have thought innovatively and minimized the time required for the implementation of the weaponry.”

Finally, it is worth highlighting the increase in surface target attack capabilities provided by the HIMARS in support of the Estonian Army. Enhancing the artillery units’ capabilities has been established as a priority for the Baltic country. In line with this, the U.S.-origin MRLS systems will be complemented in the future by the acquisition of 12 new CAESAR self-propelled howitzers purchased from France last year.

Cover photo used for illustration purposes: a U.S. Army HIMARS participating in a parade in Estonia.

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