The National Interest: HIMARS On Putin's Doorstep
6- 10.05.2025, 8:07
- 15,208

Estonia will receive six new U.S. installations.
Six U.S. HIMARS multiple rocket launchers have arrived in Estonia - right on Russia's doorstep, according to The National Interest (translated by Charter97.org). This is not just a defense enhancement for one of NATO's most vulnerable allies - it is a clear signal of strategic change in the Baltic region.
The HIMARS deliveries are part of a $200 million contract signed between Estonia and the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in December 2022. Estonia will also receive missiles with a range of up to 400 kilometers, communications, training and technical support. The delivery was carried out by a Ukrainian An-124 carrier and was an important logistical operation.
Major General Indrek Sirel, commander of the Estonian Division, noted that training has already begun: "The arrival of HIMARS gives us the opportunity to perform division-level tasks. Thanks to the American calculations already in the country, our soldiers have received training and are ready to form their own units."
The Estonian Air Force base in Emari, recently modernized for NATO, has received the new missile launchers. Joint firing exercises with U.S. participation are expected in the third quarter of this year.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed that "this deal opens a new era for Estonia's independent defense."
Despite the skepticism of some politicians in the U.S., Estonia already spends more than 3% of GDP on defense and plans to raise that figure to 5.4%.
With the ability to quickly deploy and launch, HIMARS becomes not only a deterrent weapon, but also a trump card in case of a real threat. And on the border with Russia, as history shows, calm is not a constant.