U.S. HIMARS systems used to provide indirect fire support for ships. The drills, part of the international naval exercise BALTOPS 2025, at the Kairai military training grounds near the coastal city of Klaipėda, involved the deployment of HIMARS systems to Lithuania to provide indirect fire support for ships participating in the exercise, military officials said. “The joint exercise is an important stage in integrating HIMARS systems into the structure of the Lithuanian Army’s Land Forces,” the army said in a statement. ‘Turbulent times’ It is the second HIMARS live-fire exercise conducted in Lithuania, underscoring efforts to integrate the advanced rocket systems into the structure of the Lithuanian Armed Land Forces. “It is a very good feeling,” Justinas Čekanauskas, a Lithuanian HIMARS battery commander, told Reuters. “I am excited to have the possibility to train together with our NATO allies to get experience from them and to give experience for our soldiers, knowledge, and it is like a preparation for us to get our systems in Lithuania in 2026.” The drills are also part of a wider effort by the Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - to boost their air defenses in cooperation with the U.S. The Marine Corps “thrives in chaos,” U.S. commanding officer Benjamin Gentry said. “We’re honored to be here with a capable Lithuanian military that feels the same way. I’m excited to be here and take on turbulent times together,” added the U.S. officer. The live-fire exercises will conclude on Friday, June 6. Three Lithuanian warships are also participating in the BALTOPS exercises, which will take place until June 20.