Lockheed Martin to establish HIMARS sustainment centre in Estonia

At a meeting between Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Lockheed Martin Vice President Paula J. Hartley in Washington, it was agreed that the American defence giant would construct a sustainment centre for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) in Estonia, to serve all of the Baltic nations.

Following the meeting, Minister Pevkur noted that the establishment of a presence in Estonia of one of the world's biggest defence companies was a sign of trust and willingness to launch long-term cooperation. "We have worked very hard to bring Lockheed Martin to Estonia, and the agreement that has been struck here today is hopefully just the start of a larger, long-running partnership," he remarked.

The minister says that the company's goal is to have its sustainment centre up and running within two years, with an initial investment of around 10 million euros. "We also discussed the possibility of increasing Lockheed Martin's presence in due course, with Vice President Hartley noting that prospects for furthering cooperation are very positive," Minister Pevkur added.

It was also agreed at the meeting that a Lockheed Martin delegation would visit Estonia in the near future, possibly as early as next week.

Lockheed Martin is an American defence industry giant which not only produces HIMARS systems, but also the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, Patriot air defence systems and Black Hawk helicopters.

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