Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkuras announced that the U.S. company Lockheed Martin intends to set up a HIMARS maintenance center in Estonia within the next two years, with initial investments estimated at around 10 million euros. This center will service the HIMARS artillery systems for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, eliminating the need to send these systems abroad for maintenance. The establishment of such a center indicates a significant trust and a desire for long-term collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Estonia.

During a statement made in Washington, Minister Pevkuras highlighted that with the operationalization of the maintenance center, Estonia will no longer have to dispatch its HIMARS systems for repairs or upgrades to other countries, a move that will also benefit Latvia and Lithuania. This center will not only provide essential maintenance services but is also expected to facilitate substantial technology and knowledge transfer to local defense industry companies in Estonia, as well as various subcontracting opportunities.

Furthermore, Minister Pevkuras indicated that Estonia plans to enter into additional agreements with Lockheed Martin. This strategic partnership is poised to strengthen the Baltic region's defense capabilities and foster collaboration within the defense sector, directly enhancing regional security in light of current geopolitical challenges.