Estonian troops have conducted their first live-fire exercise with HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems following four months of training, ERR reports.
Following the exercise, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, accused the Baltic states of “provocative actions." He stated that Russia, as a Baltic state, will defend its interests in the region.
“Russia is a Baltic state that intends to firmly defend its legitimate interests in the region. The fact that many countries are engaging in provocative actions there is an obvious reality,” Peskov said.
Six HIMARS systems were ordered from the US after Naryshkin's claims. They were officially delivered to the Estonian Defence Forces at the Ämari air base. The US-funded delivery is part of a broader security assistance package aimed at strengthening NATO's eastern flank.
Lithuania and Latvia have also purchased HIMARS systems. Vilnius acquired eight launchers, while Riga signed an agreement to receive six systems by 2027, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The first live-fire drills took place on 11 July. According to the Estonian Defence Forces, the rockets were launched from the shores of Saaremaa island and hit sea targets 15 kilometers away in under a minute.
“In fact, we didn’t do much damage to the sea since these were training rounds without warheads. As for accuracy, I can say we can hit a bucket from a very long distance,” said Sergeant Margus Oras of the rocket artillery unit.
HIMARS systems are capable of launching precision-guided munitions that support integrated fire missions and can strike point or area targets at distances exceeding 300 kilometers.
The maximum firing range potentially allows Estonia to target areas near the Russian border, including in Russia's Leningrad Oblast, New Voice reports. According to local reports, Estonia now not only has artillery forces but its own missile forces as well.
