Estonia to Purchase Three More HIMARS, Secures Defense Industry Investment Boost

Estonia has signed a contract to purchase additional HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, which are expected to be delivered next year.

According to ERR, the deal includes three launchers, ammunition, and approximately $11 million in investments in Estonia’s defense industry.

The new agreement also provides for the establishment of facilities in Estonia to service components of these systems. This will enable local companies to independently provide maintenance and technical support.

According to Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, the additional systems will give the Estonian Defence Forces and NATO the necessary capabilities to conduct deep strikes, significantly strengthening both the country’s defense capacity and its deterrence potential.

The minister emphasized that deepening cooperation with such a major manufacturer directly contributes to the development of the local defense sector.

The contract for the purchase of six HIMARS systems was signed in December 2022. It was preceded by years of market analysis and nearly a year of formal procedures to finalize the deal, as it is one of the country’s most expensive defense procurements.

In addition to the launchers, the deal included the supply of GMLRS rocket munitions, communications equipment, training for personnel to operate the systems, as well as logistical and technical support.

The Estonian M142 systems will also be equipped with M57 ATACMS operational-tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 300 km.

The total value of the contract exceeds $200 million.

The systems were delivered in January 2025. Thanks to prior preparation before their arrival, Estonian troops were ready to deploy them immediately.

The first training live-fire exercises, which drew a negative reaction from Russia, took place in July of the same year.