From May 10th to 11th, a training session was held at the Tapa military base for Artillery Battalion reservists who arrived for the Spring Storm exercise, preparing them for the deployment of HIMARS rocket launchers.
“The current HIMARS unit from the USA stationed in Estonia supports the training with their advice and strength. The training has gone very well so far. The men are learning — there’s a lot of information and plenty of activities,” said Warrant Officer Margus Oras, the battery sergeant of the Division’s Artillery Battalion. “HIMARS offers the Estonian Defence Forces a significant new capability for deep fire support, which was not available before. It allows us to shoot far and forcefully.”
All reservists participating in the HIMARS exercises joined Spring Storm voluntarily. They have been introduced to the rocket system’s fire control system through training. Additionally, during the exercises, they gained experience in reloading the weapon system and executing fire commands. Next week, the trainees will participate in combat simulations within a virtual battery setting, which focuses on honing command and communication procedures within the rocket unit.
“We collaborate closely with the Estonians to ensure they receive comprehensive training with the weapon system. Their enthusiasm and curiosity are impressive, they ask numerous questions,” said Staff Sergeant Brandon Seager, the US Task Force’s sergeant and instructor.
The M142 HIMARS is considered the most advanced long-range indirect fire system in the world. Its deployment in the Estonian Defence Forces next year will significantly increase the country’s firepower, providing a strategic effect. During the training program, the Estonian Division’s Artillery Battalion, along with allies from the United States, has trained the necessary reserve and active personnel for the rapid deployment of new weapon systems, and the Spring Storm exercise provided an opportunity to further expand the trained personnel.
Spring Storm is the largest annual exercise of the Estonian Defence Forces, during which military operations planning and execution are practiced, as well as enhanced cooperation between Estonian and allied units. The exercise involves active-duty military personnel, conscripts, reservists, members of the Estonian Defence League, and participants from allied nations.
Spring Storm 2024 is part of the NATO exercise series Steadfast Defender 2024, representing a significant component of this extensive NATO exercise. Steadfast Defender 2024 is the largest NATO exercise in decades, with nearly 90,000 participants from all 32 member states participating over a six-month period from January to July 2024. The broader framework for the exercise has been set by confirmed NATO regional defence plans.