Estonia signs for US rocket artillery in country's largest ever defence procurement
A US Army HIMARS launcher fires practice rounds during an international exercise in Latvia. The three Baltic states will soon be operating their own HIMARS. (Photo: US Army)
On 2 December, Magnus-Valdemar Saar, director general of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), signed a contract with the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) for procurement HIMARS multiple-launcher rocket systems.
While no quantity was announced, the FMS request by Estonia approved by the State Department in July mentioned up to six launchers with a value of $500 million, so the contract value of $200 million announced last week suggests the total number to be acquired is less than in the request.
'In order to achieve Estonia's defence objectives, we are daily engaged in the renewal of the armaments and ammunition of our defence forces. We are pleased that, in cooperation with our allies, we are able to ensure that the operational capabilities of the new multiple rocket launchers are compatible with those of the US and other allies,' Saar said.
Related Articles
Seven contenders for Estonian medium-range air defence requirement
Estonia, Finland plan to throw noose around Russian Baltic fleet
In addition to the weapon system, Estonia will also procure ammunition, communications equipment, training, logistics and life-cycle support. The package includes rockets with different effects, ranging from 70 to 300km, Ramil Lipp, armament category manager of the ECDI added.
Neighbouring Latvia and Lithuania are also procuring HIMARS. '[HIMARS] is a standard system in NATO, which enables all-round cooperation with other NATO allies, and fits well into the overall NATO joint fire support network," said Lt Col Kaarel Mäesalu, head of capability development, Estonian Defence Forces HQ, said.
The first deliveries will take place in 2024. Concerns have been raised over the US's ability to meet rising international demand for HIMARS launchers and munitions, leading some customers such as Poland to seek alternative solutions.
More from Land Warfare
-
GM Defense, Black Sage partner up to add drone defences to military vehicles
GM Defense has partnered with Black Sage Technologies to develop an integrated counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capability for tactical military vehicles.
-
KMW rolls out new 120mm mortar and drone recon modules for Boxer armoured vehicle
KMW has displayed two new mission modules for the 8x8 Boxer armoured vehicle, one housing a Patria NEMO 120mm mortar turret, and the other equipped for launch and recovery of multiple UAVs for short- and long-range reconnaissance.
-
Secret customer orders Pearson’s Slice interface for tanks and engineering vehicles
An undisclosed customer has contracted Pearson Engineering to provide a suite of front-end equipment - including the Slice interface – for its tank and combat engineering vehicle programmes.
-
Bundeswehr orders 57 Rheinmetall heavy trucks
The German Bundeswehr has ordered 57 HX81 trucks worth over €50 million from Rheinmetall.
-
Poland forges ahead with air defence integration
Poland is exploring integrating Northrop Grumman's IBCS command and control system with the short-range elements of its multi-layer air defence network as it seeks to accelerate delivery of the capability.