“The cooperation between Latvia and Finland for the joint development of the military industry is an example for the entire NATO alliance,” Defense Minister Andris Spruds said after a working visit to Finland.
On Thursday, October 3, A. Spruds visited Helsinki to meet the Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hekanen.Antti Häkkänen) discussion of jointly implemented military industry projects, regional security issues, as well as future support for Ukraine.
“Despite rapid technological advances, infantry mobility and indirect fire capabilities remain critical on the battlefield. Therefore, together with our partners in Finland, we are already successfully implementing the international 6×6 armored vehicle project “Patria”, as well as working together on the construction of a modular powder charge production plant there in Latvia. These development directions are vital for the armed forces and will strengthen the national economy of Latvia,” said A. Sprūds.
It has already been reported that an important goal was achieved in the “Patria” 6×6 project this year, starting the full-cycle production of armored vehicles in Latvia. On the other hand, the “State Defense Corporation”, established in 2023, is implementing the creation of a 155 millimeter ammunition modular powder charge factory together with the Finnish and Norwegian company “Nammo”, as well as its French and Italian company “KNDS”. “.
During the meeting, the ministers also discussed the most important security challenges in the Baltic Sea region. The ministers agreed that countries associated with NATO should invest more in strengthening air defense. In the coming years, Latvia and Finland will significantly improve the air defense capabilities of the national armed forces, however, the defense of the alliance’s external border, including the airspace, is also a common responsibility must be implemented immediately.
The ministers had the same idea about strengthening the border against illegal migration and strengthening border areas against military threats. A. Sprūds introduced A. Hakkanen about the joint position of the Ministers of Defense of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland after the September 26 meeting in Daugavpils. A. Hakkanen expressed unequivocal support that the strengthening of the external border should be a project of common interest of the European Union, and that it should be financed by the European Union.
Information prepared by:
Department of Public Relations of the Ministry of the Military
Media section
Phone: 67335093
E-pass: prese@mod.gov.lv
2024-10-03 13:31:30
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