Estonian Military Conducted HIMARS Live Fires for the First Time

In Estonia, after four months of intensive training, the military has successfully conducted its first live-fire exercise using its own HIMARS rocket systems.

According to the Estonian Defence Forces, all rockets accurately hit their designated sea-based targets—some as small as a bucket – up to 15 kilometers away, as reported by ERR.

“A truly historic moment. Our reservists carried out the firing themselves, and despite the challenges and stress that come with a first launch, we accomplished it independently,” said military representatives.

Estonia now has its own rocket forces in addition to traditional artillery.

“We used training munitions without live warheads. The maximum range of this system is many times greater. And as for accuracy – let’s just say we’re capable of firing very far and still hitting something as small as a bucket,” said a sergeant from the rocket artillery unit.

Training to operate the HIMARS systems, which arrived in the spring, took several months. Prior to that, artillery troops successfully retrained as rocket crews.

“I don’t think it’s too difficult. If you have a solid foundation, it’s simply a matter of learning a new weapon system – that’s all,” military personnel noted.

Back in April, the official handover ceremony for all six rocket systems took place at one of the Estonian Defence Forces’ military bases.

The contract, signed in December 2022, includes the purchase of the systems and related equipment for a total value of $500 million.

The agreement includes not only the launchers but also the supply of GMLRS rockets, communication systems, training for personnel to operate the systems, as well as logistical and technical support. Estonia’s M142 launchers will also be equipped with M57 ATACMS ballistic missiles, capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away.

The HIMARS rocket systems have proven highly effective in Ukraine, where they are used by Ukrainian artillery to destroy key Russian military targets, including air defense systems, command posts, and river crossings.

At the beginning of last year, the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania agreed on the future joint use of M142 HIMARS. Altogether, the three Baltic states have ordered 20 such launchers from the United States, which will be equipped not only with rocket-propelled munitions but also with short-range tactical ballistic missiles.