The US has decided to halt arms deliveries to Estonia and other European countries. This is related to the war with Iran. Now countries must seek weapons from other manufacturers.
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Estonia must find new opportunities. For example, Estonia could buy weapons from South Korea. Member of Parliament Kalev Stoicescu said this is necessary.
Estonia has already ordered weapons from the South Korean company Hanwha. This could be a good solution. Former Commander of the Defense Forces Martin Herem said that HIMARS is a good weapons system, but now other options must be considered.
Herem suggested that Estonia could cooperate with Ukraine. For example, drones or missiles could be purchased. Member of Parliament Raimond Kaljulaid said that Estonia must adapt to the new situation.
The US decision may accelerate the development of the European arms industry. This may be necessary because the US cannot always produce weapons quickly. Estonia must reassess the reliability of the US as an arms supplier.
Problems with arms deliveries did not come unexpectedly. Due to the war with Iran, US arms stockpiles have decreased. This may also affect other US allies. Estonia must wait for funding related to US arms deliveries.
There is no major problem with Javelin weapons. Estonia has enough of them. The bigger problem is with HIMARS ammunition. If this is delayed, Estonia must quickly seek alternatives.
Herem said that Estonia must be prepared. Russia is nearby, and Estonia must defend itself. As long as Russia is occupied with Ukraine, Estonia has time. But Estonia must quickly find solutions.