Estonia to double its number of M142 HIMARS

Estonia is preparing for a significant expansion of its long-range artillery capabilities. According to a notification submitted to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tallinn has formally requested the purchase of six additional M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) along with a large stockpile of precision munitions. The request was outlined on September 29, 2025, by Michael F. Miller, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). If approved, Estonia’s inventory of HIMARS launchers will increase from six to twelve, significantly boosting the firepower of its armed forces.

A Rapid Buildup of Firepower

Estonia received its first six HIMARS units in April 2025 under a government-to-government deal signed in December 2022, valued at more than $200 million. The launchers were quickly integrated into the Estonian Defence Forces, with the first live-fire exercises conducted in July.

The new request, however, is much larger in scope. In addition to the six launchers, Estonia has asked for:

• 250 pods of M31A2 GMLRS AW (Alternative Warhead) rockets

• 250 pods of M30A2 GMLRS rockets

• 200 MGM-140 ATACMS-U long-range tactical missiles

• Training rockets, communications equipment, documentation, and logistics support

The proposed package is estimated at $4.73 billion, including both munitions and supporting systems.

Strategic Context

The move comes as Estonia pursues its National Defence Development Plan 2031, which calls for the establishment of long-range rocket artillery units. The Baltic state intends to operate HIMARS in close cooperation with Lithuania, which has ordered eight launchers, and Latvia, which has six on the way.

HIMARS has become one of the most sought-after U.S. defense exports in recent years. In 2025 alone, Bahrain, Australia, and Taiwan all expanded or confirmed purchases of the system. Other nations—including Canada, Croatia, Italy, Norway, and Morocco—are also considering joining the growing list of users.

The system has already proven itself on battlefields ranging from Ukraine to the Middle East, and Estonia’s decision reflects both regional security concerns and NATO’s broader strategy of strengthening deterrence on its eastern flank.

What’s Next

The proposed sale must still receive formal approval from the U.S. State Department and pass through Congress. If cleared, it will mark Estonia’s largest-ever arms acquisition and underscore the country’s determination to invest heavily in advanced, long-range precision firepower.