Estonia receives six HIMARS rocket systems from US

Estonia has taken delivery of six HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) from the United States, fulfilling a key arms procurement deal agreed in 2022.

The advanced systems, manufactured by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, are expected to significantly bolster Estonia’s long-range strike capabilities, Caliber.Az reports per Estonian media.

Officials noted the systems would enable the Estonian Defence Forces to engage enemy targets at extended ranges, before contact is made with infantry units.

The acquisition includes tactical missiles of the ATACMS class, which Tallinn agreed to purchase alongside the launchers as part of a broader effort to modernise Estonia's defences in light of regional security concerns.

Estonia's Ministry of Defence confirmed in January that Lockheed Martin had completed production of the six HIMARS units destined for the Baltic nation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that Estonia is ready to contribute several hundred troops to a potential multinational "deterrence force" in Ukraine.

Michal confirmed that Estonia could send a company-sized unit—roughly 150 soldiers—comprising combat troops, training instructors, and staff officers. The deployment would require approval from the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament.

The initiative, part of a proposed 20-nation "coalition of the willing" led by the UK and France, aims to support Ukraine’s security and enforce a future ceasefire. Unlike traditional peacekeeping operations, the mission would take Ukraine’s side to deter further Russian aggression.

Michal reiterated support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and stressed the need for interim security measures: “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security,” he said.

The UK has called for U.S. involvement, emphasising the force would act as reassurance, not peacekeeping. Despite uncertainties over troop commitments from countries like Poland, Estonia’s pledge reflects growing Western momentum.

By Aghakazim Guliyev