The State Centre for Defence Investments and the American defense industrial company Lockheed Martin have signed a contract for the purchase of three additional HIMARS rocket systems; the contract also includes investments in Estonia's defense industry amounting to approximately $11 million.
“The additional HIMARS systems will provide the Estonian Defence Forces and NATO with the necessary capability for deep strikes, significantly strengthening both our independent defense capability and deterrence potential. Deepening cooperation with Lockheed Martin will also directly support the development of Estonia's defense industry,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Last spring, the first six HIMARS rocket systems purchased from Lockheed Martin arrived in Estonia. With the acquisition of three new HIMARS systems and additional ammunition, Estonia's cooperation with the world's largest arms manufacturer will continue. “This is a targeted and long-term effort that supports the implementation of NATO's defense plans. Direct investments from Lockheed Martin in Estonia are also extremely important, as such investments in national defense and the defense industry make Estonia as a whole safer,” added Pevkur.
The contract signed with Lockheed Martin will help engage the local defense industry. “In addition to the rocket systems and ammunition, the new contract includes investments in Estonia's defense industry, resulting in the creation of maintenance capabilities for HIMARS components in the country. These services can be provided by our own enterprises,” said Janari Kazemets, head of the combat platforms category at the State Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK).
According to him, the willingness of Lockheed Martin to engage local enterprises is to be welcomed. “The $11 million investment in Estonia proposed by Lockheed Martin will be combined with investments in other countries in the region, such as Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland, to create broader competencies here and ensure the provision of necessary services on-site,” added Kazemets.
The mobile and combat-proven HIMARS system has modern capabilities, including precision-guided munitions that allow for the execution of complex fire missions, striking point or area targets at distances of over 300 kilometers. Thanks to its high compatibility with NATO and allied systems, HIMARS can be easily integrated and rapidly deployed as needed.
The arrival of additional HIMARS rocket systems in Estonia is scheduled for 2027.
