The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of Javelin missiles and associated equipment to Estonia for an estimated value of $296m.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale.
Estonia has requested the purchase of 800 FGM-148F Javelin missiles including eight fly-to-buy missiles; and an additional 72 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs).
These will be added to a previously initiated case that was below the congressional notification threshold.
The earlier FMS was valued at $10.18m and included 12 LwCLUs; LwCLU Basic Skills Trainers; battery coolant units; Javelin missile simulation rounds; spare parts; engineering services; equipment training; tool kits and support equipment; US Government and contractor technical assistance and services; and associated logistics and programme support.
The latest notification is a combined 800 FGM-148F Javelin missiles (including eight fly-to-buy missiles) and 84 LwCLUs. It also covers the non-major defence equipment items mentioned earlier.
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By GlobalDataIn a statement, the DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a Nato Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. This sale is consistent with US initiatives to provide key allies in the region with modern systems that will enhance interoperability with US forces and increase security.”
The agency noted that the planned sale aims to strengthen Estonia’s ability to address both present and emerging threats by equipping the country with a reliable capability that can deter potential adversaries and engage in Nato missions.
This initiative also aligns with Estonia’s objective of advancing its national and territorial defence while enhancing coordination with US and Nato military units, it added.
The primary contractors for the proposed sale are the Javelin Joint Venture, a collaboration between RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin.
According to a GlobalData report, the Estonia’s defence budget stood at $1.1bn in 2023. The budget is projected to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 3% from 2024 to 2028.
The defence market in Estonia is primarily influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, efforts to modernize military capabilities, and the country’s dedication to Nato. Significant areas within Estonia’s defence sector include missile and missile defence systems, military land vehicles, tactical communications systems, military radar, and military simulation and training.
As of 2023, missile and missile defence systems represented the most appealing segment of the Estonian defence market, with military land vehicles also being a notable area of interest.
