Estonia receives shorter-range HIMARS rockets

Estonia has received ammunition for its HIMARS launchers with a range of about 70 kilometres, Defence Minister Martin Herem told ERR.

Estonia ordered both GMLRS rockets, with a range of about 70 kilometres, and ATACMS missiles capable of travelling up to 300 kilometres. The United States paused ammunition deliveries in the spring because of the war in Iraq. Deliveries of the longer-range ammunition remain suspended, Herem said on the radio programme Uudis+.

“Everything that was originally in our contract is now in Estonia,” Herem said. Launchers for a Korean system are due next year. Ammunition for it is expected next year or, more likely, early the following year.

Estonia is also due to receive other munitions this year and next, with ranges of around 100 kilometres, Herem said. These will include ammunition for artillery and loitering attack munitions, described as large winged drones.

The Estonian Defence Forces have six HIMARS launchers. In April, the State Defence Investment Centre signed a contract with US defence company Lockheed Martin for three more, which are expected to arrive in Estonia in 2027.

A HIMARS rocket pod can carry six GMLRS rockets, two guided PrSM missiles with a range of 60 to 499 kilometres, or one guided ATACMS missile with a range of up to 300 kilometres.