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President Donald Trump’s administration has formally notified Congress of plans to expand a high-stakes arms deal with Estonia, an escalation in US military support for NATO’s eastern defenses.
The proposed sale, now valued at over $4.73 billion, represents nearly a tenfold increase from the original $500 million agreement signed in 2022.
The Trump administration submitted the notification under the Arms Export Control Act, demonstrating strategic urgency and a show of force amid rising tensions with Russia.
The expanded package includes 12 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 200 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), and 1,000 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), including several extended-range variants.
“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,” the agency said in its statement.
Trump Supporting NATO
The move comes as a reinforcement of NATO’s Eastern Front.
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Estonia is a NATO member bordering Russia, has sought long-range precision firepower to deter aggression and bolster regional security.
Once the arms deal is cleared by Congress, it would enhance Estonia’s strike capabilities, allowing it to target threats up to 300 kilometers away.
The Trump administration’s move comes amid growing concerns in Europe over Russia’s continued military pressure on Ukraine and increased military drills near NATO borders.
Congress is expected to begin reviewing the arms package. If approved, deliveries could begin as early as mid-2026.
The expansion also signals a shift in US defense export strategy under Trump, focusing heavily on boosting front-line NATO allies with advanced missile systems and counter-artillery technology.
The deal is the latest in a series of arms agreements between the US and frontline NATO allies in Eastern Europe.
It follows previous US approvals for HIMARS rocket systems, precision-guided artillery, and air defense systems to be supplied to Estonia and its Baltic neighbors.
The main contractors for the Estonian Javelin deal are the Javelin Joint Venture, RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), based in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin, based in Orlando, Florida.
Australia to Buy 48 U.S. HIMARS in $705M Deal
The US State Department also approved a potential $705 million sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Australia.
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The move is aimed at strengthening one of America’s key allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed on September 30 that it delivered the required certification to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act.
The proposed sale includes 48 HIMARS launchers, as well as a wide range of supporting equipment, services, and logistics.
According to DSCA, the package also features HIMARS resupply vehicles, trailers, reduced-range training rockets, radio and intercom systems, spare parts, and technical support services from both the U.S. government and private contractors.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States,” the DSCA said, adding that Australia is “one of the United States’ most important allies in the Western Pacific.”
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