The planned facility will provide maintenance and support services for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, strengthening regional defence infrastructure. The centre is expected to become operational within two years, with an initial investment estimated at around €10 million.
Minister Pevkur described the agreement as a significant step in long-term defence cooperation with the United States. “We have worked very hard to bring Lockheed Martin to Estonia, and the agreement that has been struck here today is hopefully just the start of a larger, long-running partnership,” he said.
He added that discussions also covered the potential expansion of Lockheed Martin’s presence in Estonia. “We also discussed the possibility of increasing Lockheed Martin’s presence in due course, with Vice President Hartley noting that prospects for furthering cooperation are very positive,” Minister Pevkur said.
The agreement includes plans for a Lockheed Martin delegation to visit Estonia in the near future, possibly as early as next week. The visit is expected to advance preparations for establishing the sustainment centre and explore additional cooperation opportunities.
Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s largest defence companies, produces a range of advanced military systems including HIMARS, the F-35 fighter aircraft, Patriot air defence systems and Black Hawk helicopters. The new facility underscores growing defence ties between Estonia and the United States amid evolving regional security requirements.
