Lithuania and the Baltic states deploy HIMARS systems to bolster NATO's eastern flank.
The Baltic states of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have all equipped themselves with HIMARS and ATACMS missiles to enhance their defensive and deterrent capabilities in NATO's eastern flank.
Lithuania and the Baltic states are stepping up their deployment of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to bolster NATO's eastern flank. The deployment of these advanced weapon systems is seen as a strategic step to enhance national defense capabilities and create a deterrent against potential regional threats.
Strategic cooperation among the three Baltic states
In January 2024, the Defense Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania officially signed a memorandum of understanding on the joint use of the HIMARS system in both peacetime and wartime conditions. Under the cooperation agreement, the three Baltic states ordered a total of 20 M142 HIMARS launchers from the United States.
These systems will be equipped with GMLRS ammunition with a maximum range of 84km and M57 ATACMS supersonic short-range tactical ballistic missiles. These are highly accurate weapons, optimizing the coordinated combat capabilities between forces in the region.
Lithuania's efforts to modernize its military.
Lithuania signed a contract worth approximately $495 million with Lockheed Martin in 2022 to purchase eight HIMARS systems. The agreement included not only the launchers but also the combat munitions, training munitions, and the most advanced guided missiles.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas emphasized that HIMARS has proven its superior effectiveness in combat in Ukraine. He affirmed that the system's mobility and accuracy will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Lithuanian army. Meanwhile, Gaylia Campbell, representing Lockheed Martin, stated that HIMARS integrates seamlessly with NATO systems and platforms, becoming a valuable asset for joint allied operations.
Estonia invests in defense infrastructure.
In addition to general orders, Estonia continues to expand its defense capabilities by signing a contract to purchase three more HIMARS systems in April 2026. Notably, the country has invested approximately $11 million in its domestic defense industry.
This investment focuses on developing maintenance and technical support capabilities for missile systems. The new agreement allows local companies in Estonia to independently undertake technical support services, helping to ensure proactive and high combat readiness for these modern assets on NATO's eastern flank.
