Estonia Doubles Down on HIMARS: Because Russia Needs Long-Distance Hugging

KEY POINTS

•Estonia agreed with the US to acquire six additional HIMARS units after receiving six in April 2024.
•Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized the importance of deep-strike capability influenced by Ukraine’s success.
•Latvia and Lithuania also invested in HIMARS, aiming to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank against Russia.
•Pentagon approval and delivery timings remain uncertain, yet Estonia continues to prioritize HIMARS to deter Russia.

Estonia has enthusiastically signed on for six more HIMARS rocket launchers from the US—even though the exact delivery date remains a mystery, because waiting-for-Pentagon-approval is basically a hobby now. This is after Estonia already cozyed up to six units in April 2024, insisting on 'deep-strike capability' like they're picking new kitchen knives for a supper party with Russia. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told Business Insider that Latvia and Lithuania are also hopping on the HIMARS bandwagon, collectively throwing expensive toys at the Russian threat, because apparently the best way to keep neighbors away is from a dozen rocket launchers. Ukraine convinced them big rockets are essential, and Pevkur even promised HIMARS sends a 'deterrence message,' which sounds like polite code for 'please don’t invade, we’re armed enough to annoy you from several miles away.'