Estonia Flexes New HIMARS in Live-Fire Exercise

Reservists demonstrate advanced artillery capabilities on Saaremaa island

Estonia significantly enhanced its defense capabilities recently, as reserve soldiers successfully fired HIMARS rocket launchers for the first time on Estonian soil. The exercise highlights the nation’s commitment to modernizing its military and bolstering national security.

Key Development

The live-fire exercise, which occurred on the Undva Peninsula in Saaremaa, concluded a training event spanning from July 4th to 12th across the municipalities of Saaremaa and Muhu. Reserve soldiers who had received specialized training in operating the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) conducted the exercise.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, HIMARS has been a game changer in the conflict in Ukraine, allowing them to strike targets far behind Russian lines (CSIS, 2023).

Estonian reservists fired HIMARS for the first time in Estonia. The live-fire exercise took place on the Undva peninsula in Saaremaa as the culmination of the exercise on July 4-12. #WeAreNATO https://t.co/K13HwzjyoT

— Estonian Defence Forces (@EstonianDefence) July 12, 2023

The HIMARS system is considered among the most advanced long-range precision fire systems globally. It has recently been integrated into the Estonian Defence Forces’ arsenal.

Statements on Readiness

“The HIMARS is now part of our national defence,” stated Battery Sergeant Major Margus Oras of the Division Artillery Battalion.

Oras noted that training started before the systems were even delivered to Estonia through collaboration with units from the United States.

Oras added, “Today, we have a fully trained rocket artillery battery that continues to practise defending Estonia. We have both experienced teams and state-of-the-art equipment – and now we’ve reached a level where we can independently conduct both training and firing exercises. We will continue to grow and develop our rocket artillery.”

Exercise Objectives

The nine-day assembly, concluding on July 12th, aimed to boost the unit’s combat readiness and enhance interoperability. By functioning as cohesive weapon teams, reservists refreshed their technical knowledge and improved their practical skills.

The deployment of HIMARS launchers marks a major advancement in the Division’s rocket artillery battery development, thus strengthening Estonia’s defense capabilities. The system’s introduction significantly boosts Estonia’s firepower regarding both range and effectiveness.

Within the Estonian Defence Forces, the Division Artillery Battalion acts as the center of expertise for indirect fire capabilities. The Battalion delivers specialist training for conscripts and active-duty personnel. Its primary wartime task involves supporting division units using indirect fire.