Baltic Countries to Cooperate on HIMARS System Against Russia

Defense News ,Europe :- The defense ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have agreed to work together on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in both peace and wartime. They decided to team up after each country separately obtained the HIMARS system following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Even though the details of this collaboration are not fully disclosed, a source from a Baltic defense ministry shared some insights. The plan involves creating a joint supply chain, which includes collectively purchasing rockets and missiles for the HIMARS system. Additionally, the countries will collaborate on developing shared tactical, operational, and strategic plans for using the system.

To ensure a seamless operation of the HIMARS systems, the three Baltic countries will conduct joint military training and drills. They will also share responsibilities for maintenance, service, and logistical support.

All three countries—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—decided to acquire the HIMARS system from the United States in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In December 2022, Lithuania signed a deal worth USD 495 million for eight HIMARS launchers with various rockets and missiles. Estonia followed suit in the same month with a deal for six HIMARS launchers. Latvia joined the collaboration in December 2023, signing a deal for six HIMARS launchers. These agreements include a range of munitions, notably the ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles with a 300km range.