Estonia Fires HIMARS for First Time, Shows It Can Hit Targets Near Russia

Estonia has launched its first HIMARS rocket test, showing the country’s growing military strength and ability to hit targets near the Russian border.

The test took place on 11 July on Saaremaa Island, after four months of training. The HIMARS system, delivered earlier this year, fired training rockets into the Baltic Sea.

All rockets hit their targets, which were placed up to 15 kilometres offshore.

The HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) can reach targets up to 300 kilometres away, depending on the type of rocket used.

Senior Sergeant Margus Orais said the system showed strong accuracy:

“We are capable of firing very far and hitting a target the size of a bucket,” he told United24 Media.

Only training rounds were used during the test, meaning they didn’t contain live warheads. The exercise still marked a big step for Estonia’s defence forces, which now have their own rocket artillery system.

Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Viitman called the test a “historic event.”

He said Estonian soldiers who normally work with regular artillery had retrained to operate the HIMARS system. He also said the switch was not too hard for soldiers who already had basic knowledge.

“Our reservists fired, and even though they were nervous at first, they did everything themselves,” Viitman explained.

Estonia’s military leaders believe HIMARS gives them the ability to strike targets at longer distances, while staying out of enemy range. Major General Indrek Sirel said earlier that this would improve Estonia’s ability to defend itself in case of a threat.

HIMARS systems have been widely used in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Earlier this year, a Russian general was reportedly killed in a HIMARS strike near the Ukrainian border.

Estonia, a NATO member since 2004, has increased its defence spending and training in recent years due to rising tensions with Russia.