After Ukraine, Latvia seeks US HIMARS to bolster Baltic defense

Europe, News, US July 29, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Latvian Ministry of Defense has launched a request to acquire the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) under the joint Baltic Defense Initiative.

Latvia is a part of the Joint Defense Initiative for the Baltic along with Estonia and Lithuania. The spokesperson of Latvia’s Defense Ministry Janis Garisons said, “We have sent a request to the U.S. government regarding availability and pricing and are currently awaiting a response.” He further stated that “We hope to receive approval by September, as happened to Estonia, whose purchase of HIMARS was already reported in the press.”

The ministry has also requested training the Latvian soldiers to operate the HIMARS through the Lockheed Martin training program. The number of requested HIMARS rocket launching systems has not been disclosed yet.

In addition to the HIMARS rocket launcher system, Riga also plans to purchase other coastal defense missile systems along with mid-range air defense systems. “Regarding coastal defense systems, the MoD has received offers from potential suppliers. During market research, an analysis of these offers has been carried out, as well as additional information has been requested for further evaluation,” spokesperson Garisons added.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several European countries have increased their emphasis on their defense formations while increasing their defense budgets. Latvia has also increased its defense budget by 2.5% allocating at least $764 million to military expansion and weapons acquisition.

Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the demand for Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS has increased dramatically. Earlier in July, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency cleared a $500 million HIMARS sale to Latvia’s fellow Baltic state Estonia.

*^{The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires the Army’s new guided Multiple Launch Rocket System during testing at White Sands Missile Range. (Image Credit: U.S. Army)}*

During a Baltic Defense Minister meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in June, Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anusauskas said that “Together with the Latvian and Estonian allies we are looking into developing a HIMARS artillery rocket system capability. Lithuania plans to sign a corresponding contract before the end of this year.”

Apart from the Baltic states, several eastern European countries are trying to acquire long- and medium-range rocket systems. Poland has also requested 500 HIMARS units amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The U.S., however, is trying to maintain a steady supply of medium- and long-range rocket launching systems to Ukraine in form of military aid. Hence, the requests from Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland would take some time to be approved by the United States.