Latvia Agrees to Purchase HIMARS and ATACMS from the US for $220 Million

The United States Department of State has approved the sale of six High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and long-range ATACMS missiles to Latvia. This announcement was made by Latvia's Minister of Defense, Andris Spruds, on his Twitter account. According to him, the total value of this deal is approximately $220 million. The minister promises that the procurement contract will be finalized in the coming months.

"This agreement will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Latvian Armed Forces and strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Latvia," stated Andris Spruds.

Latvia is not the only European country that has recently decided to bolster its military readiness with American missile systems. In early October, it was revealed that Estonia would purchase long-range ATACMS missiles and HIMARS launchers from the United States. Among the weaponry Estonia will receive are long-range ATACMS missiles capable of hitting targets up to 300 kilometers away, with deliveries expected in 2025.

In mid-September, it was announced that Poland plans to acquire 486 HIMARS launchers as part of the HOMAR-A program for the Polish army. Deliveries are set to commence by the end of 2025. The Polish Ministry of Defense claims that this number of HIMARS launchers is necessary for effectively deterring potential aggressors.

Additionally, in late September, the United States Department of State announced a $2 billion loan to Poland to strengthen its defense capabilities as part of the Foreign Military Financing program. The statement emphasized Poland's status as a loyal ally of the United States, and the country's security is of vital importance for the overall defense of NATO's eastern flank.

It's worth noting that during the night of October 17, the Ukrainian Armed Forces used ATACMS missiles for the first time in a nighttime attack on airports in Berdiansk and Luhansk in the occupied territories. President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed the use of these missiles in his evening video address. The ATACMS missiles were responsible for destroying a significant amount of enemy aviation equipment and personnel from the Russian occupying forces.