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Pevkur in Washington: NATO is of vital importance to the U.S.

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

26. July 2025 - 10:00

Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, together with Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds and Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė, met yesterday in Washington with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The discussion focused on the significance of the U.S. military presence in strengthening Baltic defence, advancing military cooperation, and increasing Allied defence spending to meet NATO capability goals.

"NATO is vitally important to the United States, as clearly demonstrated by the recent decision at the summit in The Hague to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP. The U.S. played a key leadership role in reaching that agreement," said Minister Pevkur following the meeting.

"From our perspective, it's essential to continue the excellent cooperation we've established. U.S. forces train in Estonia in full integration with Estonian Defence Forces. This military partnership is mutually beneficial and of the highest standard," he added.

"The presence of U.S. troops adds significant value to the training of Estonian units — including the integration of HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems delivered this year, and through participation in joint exercises," Pevkur said.

The defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania expressed their appreciation to the U.S. administration for its leadership in encouraging European Allies to increase defence investments in line with NATO capability targets.

"It's clear that European Allies must work hard to meet the objectives agreed at The Hague. The U.S. has played a powerful role in driving that effort. We briefed the Secretary Hegseth on our national defence plans, reaffirming that the Baltic States are fully committed to reaching 5% of GDP in defence spending," said Pevkur.

Currently, about 600 U.S. troops are stationed in Estonia on a rotational basis. Task Force Victory, operating HIMARS systems, is based at Tapa alongside the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Defence Forces. Additionally, the 7th Cavalry Regiments 5th Squadron of U.S. Armed Forces (5-7 CAV) is deployed at Reedo Camp near Võru.

While in Washington, Minister Pevkur also met with members of the U.S. Senate and various think tanks to discuss U.S.-Estonia defence cooperation, continued support for Ukraine, and the decisions made at NATO's recent summit in The Hague.