Latvia Officially Signs Contract For Six HIMARS Launchers
The Latvian government announced on December 20 that it had signed a contract for the purchase of six High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launchers and ammunition worth $179.8 million from the United States government.
According to Latvian defense minister Andris Sprūds, the Latvian Armed Forces will also receive Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) surface-to-surface missiles under the agreement, which also includes operator training and other support equipment needed by the Latvian military.
Riga expects deliveries of its HIMARS to begin in 2027, with the U.S. State Department approving the Foreign Military Sale of the HIMARS in October 2023.
“This is another important step towards stronger strategic partnership between the United States and Latvia, which will also contribute to development of NATO’s collective defence capabilities,” said Sprūds in a statement released on December 28.
In the statement, the Latvian defense ministry said that the decision to purchase HIMARS systems was based on its performance in Ukrainian service against Russia’s now nearly two-year old invasion of Ukraine, adding that it was part of an “unprecedented” defense investment program started in 2023.
U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Christopher Robinson said in a statement issued by the embassy in Riga:
“Latvia’s decision to purchase HIMARS is a testament to the strength of our security partnership and our shared commitment to Baltic security. It also illustrates the commitment of the Latvian government and people to invest in their own security. I am confident the HIMARS system will play a vital role in deterring aggression and protecting Latvia’s sovereignty.”
Sprūds had previously inspected an American HIMARS that participated in the Winter Shield 2023 exercise that took place at Camp Adazi from November 21 to December 3. During the exercise, the HIMARS was flown from Rammstein Air Base in Germany to a nearby airfield by a Belgian Air Force A400M, before deploying and conducting a live fire training mission, showcasing its mobility and rapid infiltration capabilities.