According to the Defense Forces chief, the resumption of HIMARS deliveries depends largely on how the conflict involving Iran develops. “But I have no reason to doubt the Americans’ word that deliveries will resume as soon as possible, and countries on NATO’s eastern flank will certainly be among the first to receive the items already ordered,” he added.
Uncertainty around the ammunition factory
According to Merilo, there is still considerable uncertainty surrounding the ammunition factory planned for the Põhja-Kiviõli defense industry park, and he cannot currently say that the ammunition produced there would not be needed by the Defense Forces.
He said that only preliminary plans are known so far, and he does not know exactly what products the factory – being developed by the Turkish defense company ARCA Defense – will produce.
“We know that the plan is to produce both 155 mm and 122 mm ammunition. Indeed, we do not use 122 mm ammunition. We do not currently have such weapon systems, nor do we plan to acquire them. However, regarding 155 mm artillery ammunition, I do not have full certainty about what exactly will be produced there,» said Merilo.
The Defense Forces commander added that it can be said with certainty that the ammunition factory is an economic project, and given Estonia’s economic situation, its construction is welcome.
