Latvia will buy missile artillery systems «Himars» / Article

The MoD has three priorities for missile systems, namely coastal defense against ships, medium-range air defense systems and missile artillery.

Regarding coastal defense systems, the Ministry of Defense has received offers from potential suppliers. Market research has analyzed these offers, as well as requested additional information for further evaluation. Information on possible industrial involvement is also requested.

Regarding medium radius air defense systems, a decision has been made to purchase medium radius systems together with Estonia. Recently, during the NATO summit in Madrid, the defense ministers of Latvia and Estonia signed a joint letter of intent regarding the acquisition. Joint work on the further implementation of the procurement is currently underway.

Regarding the rocket artillery, a request has been sent to the USA regarding the availability and prices of the “Himars” systems. This is a joint project of the Baltic States, and the MoD expects the US to support it with co-financing. A response from the US is currently awaited. LETA already wrote that the “Himars” system was given to Ukraine by the USA for the war against Russia.

At the moment, the MoD could not name the exact amount that all three mentioned systems will cost, but they will certainly be hundreds of millions of euros.

“Regarding the implementation of all the above-mentioned capabilities, it is important to note that this is a new level in the development of Latvian defense, and the implementation of these capabilities will take time. It should also be noted that the full implementation of the capabilities will require additional personnel resources,” said Kaspars Galkins, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense to the LETA agency.

It has already been reported that over the next three years, funding for Latvian national defense will be gradually increased to 2.5% of the gross domestic product.

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