U.S. Allies Rethink HIMARS Acquisition Amid U.S. Delays, Eyes Alternatives

Estonia Questions US About HIMARS Production, Considers Alternative Options

Uncertainty clouds the possibility of Estonia purchasing a second batch of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin, with the US government's ability to expedite production and provide better delivery slots in question. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has indicated that Estonia's decision hangs in the balance and an alternative course could be charted in the coming months.

"Current data shows that the waiting period for the product delivery is quite prolonged, and unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of excessive time," Pevkur noted during a recent sideline interview at the Munich Security Conference.

One of their key advantages is the ability to strike fixed targets. HIMARS has been a formidable asset for Ukraine, effectively disrupting Russian supply lines, ammunition depots, and command-control centers. Over 40 HIMARS units have already been supplied by the US to Ukraine, as stated on a US State Department factsheet.

Alternative Avenues for Defense Assets and Equipment

The US government's response determines if Estonia will pursue a second HIMARS consignment or divert to an alternate route, said Pevkur, suggesting the choice of a preferred platform could be announced in a few months.

Rocket production firms such as Rocketsan's Khan from Turkey and the Israeli-built Elbit Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) seem likely contenders for Estonia's consideration. Pevkur specifically highlighted South Korea's K239 Chunmoo, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, as a strong competitor.

Boasting clientele in Poland and under consideration by Norway, Hanwha Aerospace is no stranger to Estonia. The South Korean firm also supplies Estonia with 36 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, bolstering its chances.

HIMARS Significance for Estonia Amidst Ukraine Support

Estonia has prioritized investment in long-range weaponry, partly owing to its significant contribution of equipment towards Ukraine's defense efforts. These donations have required Estonia to refill the void in its hardware.

Tallinn has made substantial headway in acquiring six HIMARS units, a $200 million deal that features rockets capable of traveling between 70km and 300km, as well as communication systems, training, and logistics.

The official keys to these systems have been handed over to Estonia in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's headquarters last month, and they are expected to be delivered soon. While Pevkur indicated there still is some time to decide about future procurements like the XA-180 armored personnel carrier replacement.

Currently, both Lockheed Martin and the US State Department have remained tight-lipped about queries related to HIMARS production.