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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Continued security assistance affirms US commitment to our region's security

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

12.03.2025

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the decision of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme affirmed that the United States was committed to the security of our region and to strengthening the Alliance.

Tsahkna said that the decision provided a chance to continue preparations for the introduction of HIMARS systems.

"Estonia highly appreciates the contribution of the United States to our region's security, which, in addition to financial security assistance, is illustrated by the consistent rotating presence of US troops in Estonia," Tsahkna said.

The foreign minister said that Estonia was very serious about boosting its defence capabilities, investing 3.7% of GDP in defence this year, and, following a decision by the government, moving towards 5% of GDP in defence spending in the coming years.

In addition to the State Department's FMF programme, the United States is supporting the Baltic States through the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), which is subject to the decisions of the US Congress. The BSI was established in 2020 to develop the independent defence capabilities and interoperability of the Baltic States. The allocations of BSI to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania stood at $228 million in 2024; $225 million in 2023; $180 million in 2022, and $169 million in 2021. The BSI allocations are divided differently between the three countries each year according to capability needs.

The funds allocated through the BSI and the FMF are meant to be used for acquiring US defence industry production, services, or training.

US security assistance has been used to obtain HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, equipment for supporting integrated air and missile defence capabilities, communications systems, night vision equipment, ammunition, including Javelin missiles and large-calibre artillery munitions, maritime situational awareness radars, and military medical equipment.