Estonia to Soon Receive Part of Its Ordered HIMARS Rockets
Estonia expects to receive the first batch of HIMARS rockets ordered from the US soon, though longer-range ATACMS missiles remain on hold due to a US decision tied to the war with Iran.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has announced that the country expects to soon receive the first part of rockets ordered from manufacturer Lockheed Martin for the American HIMARS multiple rocket launch systems, according to Estonian broadcaster ERR, as cited by Yevropeiska Pravda.
Estonia ordered two types of HIMARS rockets — with ranges of 70 kilometers and 300 kilometers. According to the minister, the first deliveries could arrive as early as September, though he noted it is difficult to name an exact timeframe.
"It's hard to say exactly when this will happen, but we hope they will be in Estonia in the near future," Pevkur said.
ATACMS deliveries delayed
At the same time, the minister clarified that the ordered ATACMS missiles with a 300-kilometer range are not expected for now. The reason is a decision by the US administration to halt sales of such weapons to allies in connection with the ongoing war with Iran.
Already in spring, the American side had warned Tallinn of possible delays in deliveries of ordered weapons due to the war with Iran, primarily concerning HIMARS rockets.
Similar delivery problems are affecting Lithuania as well. The commander of Lithuania's Armed Forces announced on September 11 that the delivery of HIMARS rocket artillery systems from the US to the country is delayed for an indefinite period.
