Estonia Fires HIMARS for First Time in Baltic Sea, Signaling Ability to Strike Near Russia

Estonia carried out its first-ever test firing of HIMARS on Saaremaa Island, following four months of preparation. These systems were delivered to Estonia in the spring as part of the country's growing military capabilities. The test was carried out on July 11.

According to military personnel, all rockets successfully hit targets located up to 15 kilometers offshore in the sea. The targets, roughly the size of a bucket, were struck with precision, as reported by the Estonian channel ERR.

The firing marks a significant milestone, as Estonia now possesses its own rocket artillery capabilities in addition to its existing conventional artillery.

“Actually, we didn’t cause much damage to the sea because we used training rounds without warheads. The maximum range of this system is much greater. As for accuracy, I can confidently say that we are capable of firing very far and hitting a target the size of a bucket,” said Senior Sergeant Margus Orais, from the rocket artillery unit.

The HIMARS systems, which arrived in Estonia in spring, were ready for use after several months of training. According to Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Viitman, artillerymen successfully retrained as rocket artillery operators.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Ukraine Delivers First Ever Obliterating Strike on Russian Iskander Launcher Used in Deadly Civilian Attacks

Jun 05, 2025 15:14

“I think it’s not too difficult. If you have basic knowledge, it’s just retraining to operate a new weapon system—and that’s it,” explained Viitman.

The successful firing exercise was hailed as a historic moment for Estonia’s military capabilities.

Lieutenant Colonel Viitman praised the performance, saying, “Today’s firing is a historic event. Our reservists fired, and despite the challenges and nerves during the first shot, we managed to handle everything ourselves.”

Major General Indrek Sirel, commander of the Estonian Defense Forces Division, said earlier that the HIMARS systems will allow the Estonian military to hit targets at a previously inaccessible distance while remaining out of the enemy's range. HIMARS has a maximum range of 300 kilometers, potentially allowing it to engage targets near the Russian border, including in the Leningrad Region.

The introduction of HIMARS systems to Estonia marks a significant enhancement in its defense capabilities, further solidifying its ability to respond to regional security threats with advanced, precision-guided weaponry.

Earlier, it was reported that a top Russian general linked to the Bucha war crimes (Major General Gudkov) was reportedly killed in a HIMARS strike near Ukraine’s border.

Shield the Ukrainian Sky

Join the fundraiser to help protect civilians from Russian aerial terror.

Donate