US troops will arrive in Estonia in the next few weeks and are staying for the time being. Estonia has also itself purchased HIMARS rocket launchers, but their delivery date is only in 2025.
15:21•Updated 16:26
TALLINN The United States has decided to place an infantry company and HIMARS rocket launchers in Estonia.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkurin according to the arrival of US troops in the next few weeks is part of a longer presence in Estonia and elsewhere in the Baltics.
– It shows that the United States is committed to the security of this region, Pevkur said in the press release (you will switch to another service) on Thursday.
The infantry company and the HIMARS team are supposed to train with the Estonian troops.
– If necessary, they are ready to defend Estonia, Pevkur stated.
Estonian Defense Forces signed this week (switching to another service) of the procurement contract for six HIMARS rocket launcher systems. However, they will not arrive in Estonia until 2025.
According to Pevkur, the presence of the US HIMARS system in Estonia helps to get acquainted with the rocket launchers in advance. This shortens the deployment time of own HIMARS.
The British-led NATO multinational EFP combat division already operates in Estonia. In addition to the British, it also includes French and Danes. NATO is fully responsible for Estonia’s air control.
The strength of Estonia’s own ground forces is two infantry brigades and local troops.