Task Force Voit (TF Voit) of the U.S. Army supported the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) during the first live-fire tests of their new HIMARS rocket artillery systems. This training, conducted on July 11, 2025, enabled Estonia’s Rocket Artillery Battery to achieve its first crew certification under real operational conditions, thereby strengthening the Baltic country’s defensive capabilities with this advanced artillery platform.
Established in 2023 under the U.S. Army’s V Corps, TF Voit plays a key role in enhancing cooperation with NATO allies—particularly Estonia—through exercises such as Hedgehog. Its mission is to improve readiness and interoperability among allied forces, deter potential threats, and reinforce NATO’s Eastern Flank with long-range precision capabilities. TF Voit has also been instrumental in developing the EDF’s HIMARS battery.
This milestone is part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which in 2022 approved the sale of HIMARS systems to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Estonia became the first Baltic country to receive and deploy the launchers, with an initial delivery of six systems in January 2025. Meanwhile, Lithuania continues to train its personnel with TF Voit’s support and is expected to receive its own HIMARS units in 2027.
After three and a half years of preparation—including personnel training and infrastructure development—the EDF conducted preliminary exercises with support from TF Voit. On July 11, they concluded this phase with a live-fire drill, certifying the EDF as an independent and operational HIMARS unit capable of carrying out long-range precision missions in support of Estonian and NATO forces.
Sergeant First Class Margus Oras, from the EDF’s Rocket Artillery Battery, highlighted the collaboration with TF Voit: “We’ve been working together for two or three years. They’ve trained not only active-duty personnel but also reservists in maintenance, launcher operations, and other areas. Today is an emotional day, and much of this achievement is thanks to the efforts of the U.S. soldiers and TF Voit.”
The training was supported by personnel from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, part of the U.S. Army’s 75th Field Artillery Brigade. For one week, they trained Estonian troops to enhance their HIMARS proficiency.
Staff Sergeant Skyler Rosekrans, a unit advisor, emphasized the significance of the exercise: “This is a major moment, as it marks their first live-fire certification. Seeing their excitement, dedication, and pride in this mission reinforces the value of our alliance.”
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