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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Arrival of HIMARS reaffirms close defence cooperation between the US and Estonia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

30.04.2025

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the arrival of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers in Estonia was an important event that illustrates the close defence cooperation between Estonia and the USA and strengthens our military capabilities.

"In the current complicated security situation, strengthening our deterrence and defence posture is one of Estonia's most important priorities. With the arrival of the HIMARS, an important capability gap will be closed and Estonia's defence capability will be strengthened," Tsahkna said.

He added that the acquisition of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers manufactured at the factory of the US company Lockheed Martin and their arrival in Estonia was an example of strong allied relations and very practical cooperation between Estonia and the United States.

"Throughout the years, US security assistance has allowed Estonia to accelerate the strengthening of its defence capabilities, and the acquisition of HIMARS was also completed thanks to US security assistance. At the same time, it is important to remember that for every dollar that the US put into Estonia's security last year, Estonia added another 12 to the defence budget," Tsahkna said. "The close cooperation between Estonia and the United States as NATO Allies in the field of defence will ultimately ensure security on both sides of the Atlantic."

The United States is supporting the Baltic States through the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), funded from the budget of the US Department of Defence and subject to the decisions of the US Congress, and through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme funded by the Department of State.

The funds allocated through the BSI and the FMF are meant to be used for acquiring US defence industry production, services, or training. In addition to the HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, US security assistance has been used to obtain 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 surveillance systems, and military medical equipment.