U.S. officials are urging European allies to keep buying American-made weapons despite the EU’s push to strengthen its own defense industry. The European Commission’s ReArm Europe initiative could limit U.S. firms’ involvement in EU defense contracts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the issue in talks with Baltic foreign ministers, stressing the importance of American participation. U.S. officials caution that sidelining American companies may harm transatlantic defense cooperation. The move comes amid broader efforts in Europe to reduce dependency on foreign military suppliers. Original news
Category: Latvia
Latvia Awards Origin Robotics Contract for High-Speed Interceptor Drone
The Latvian Ministry of Defence has awarded Origin Robotics a research and development contract to create a high-speed interceptor drone for countering aerial threats. The contract follows a co-financing model, with the Latvian MoD funding 65% and Origin Robotics covering 35% of development costs. The autonomous drone will be designed to neutralize loitering munitions and hostile UAVs, strengthening Latvia’s air defense capabilities. Origin Robotics CEO Agris Kipurs highlighted the growing need for effective countermeasures in modern warfare. The contract underscores Latvia’s commitment to advancing drone defense technology amid rising security threats. Original news
Latvian President Urges European Nations to Reinstate Conscription Amid Russian Threat
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has called for European countries to introduce conscription, warning of the growing threat from Russia. Speaking on Sunday, he emphasized that Latvia reinstated compulsory military service in January 2023 due to its proximity to Russia and urged other nations to follow suit. Rinkēvičs also confirmed that Latvia is debating whether to extend conscription to women, reflecting broader discussions on military readiness. While acknowledging public concerns, he stressed that reassurance must be backed by concrete defense actions from Latvia and other European governments. His remarks highlight Europe’s increasing focus on military preparedness amid uncertainty over the war […]
RAND Study Proposes Using 4G/5G Networks to Counter Air Defenses in Taiwan and the Baltics
A new RAND study suggests leveraging 4G and 5G cellular networks to detect and jam mobile surface-to-air missile radars in defense of the Baltic states and Taiwan. Timothy Bond, a senior RAND fellow, noted that Taiwan’s network is over 50% 5G, while the Baltics primarily use 4G, making them potential tools for targeting enemy radars and jammers. The study highlights that Russian air defense radars and GPS jammers operate on frequencies detectable by 4G/5G systems, allowing them to help guide attacks on electronic warfare threats. This technology could enhance NATO and Taiwan’s ability to counter Russian and Chinese air defense […]
NATO Frontline Leaders Call for Enhanced European Defense Readiness
Leaders from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have voiced concerns about Europe’s ability to counter Russia without U.S. support, emphasizing the need for stronger defense capabilities. Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics stated, “We are not ready,” while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged allies to prioritize defense spending over prolonged debates. Though two-thirds of NATO members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, experts warn this is insufficient compared to Russia’s projected 6.3% by 2025. Finland has bolstered its military with a £7.5 billion acquisition of 64 F-35A fighter jets, showcasing its commitment to modernization. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted Europe’s dependence […]
‘Too early’ to rule out China-Russia cooperation in Baltic seabed cable incident, says Pentagon official
A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]
Latvia selects ASCOD, orders Patria 6×6 C2 vehicles
General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas is currently in negotiations to supply ASCOD tracked armored vehicles to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, as announced on November 15. The deal follows closely on the heels of Latvia’s order for 56 Patria 6×6 command-and-control vehicles, confirmed through a EUR 60 million contract set to be fulfilled between 2024 and 2029. This procurement from Patria, detailed on November 14, represents a significant upgrade in Latvia’s defense capabilities. Thomas Kauffmann from GDELS praised the ASCOD vehicles for their advanced features and suitability for Latvia’s needs, while Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds […]
Latvia orders more Patria 6×6 vehicles
Latvia has finalized an agreement to acquire 56 CAVS 6×6 command-and-control vehicles for over €60 million. The vehicles will be produced locally, with part of the manufacturing taking place at Patria’s newly operational facility in Valmiera since May 2024. The delivery of these vehicles is scheduled to commence by the end of 2024 and extend through 2029. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds emphasized that these new vehicles will enhance the operational capabilities of the national armed forces and foster the growth of Latvia’s military industry. This acquisition continues to build on the successful partnership between the defense sector and local […]
Latvia Begins Contract Negotiations to Acquire Spanish ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles
The Latvian Ministry of Defence has chosen the Ascod infantry fighting vehicle for its land forces. Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the tracked vehicle will enhance the operational capabilities of Latvia’s military. The ministry has allocated around €250 million ($265 million) for the acquisition, though the exact quantity of vehicles and total contract value remain undisclosed. Negotiations with the manufacturer, GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, are anticipated to wrap up by the end of this year or early next year. Original news
UK defence release ITTs as part of the Drone Capability Coalition
The British government has issued tenders for specific drone capabilities as part of the international Drone Capability Coalition (DCC) to support Ukraine’s continued use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The first phase focuses on procuring Large First-Person View (FPV) drones and Operational Drone Interceptors, with a goal to establish a reliable Western-based supply chain and ensure Ukraine outpaces Russian drone capabilities. The FPV tender aims to deliver 300 drones for initial testing, while the interceptor tender targets systems to counter opposing UAS threats. This initiative forms part of the broader global sustainment program, launched by the UK and Latvia, and […]
DefendTex attack UAV operational in Ukraine after UK-Latvia Drone Coalition selection
Australian company DefendTex has launched its first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the Vengeance FPV, with some units already shipped to Ukraine for evaluation. The quadrotor UAV is designed for mass production and was showcased in a recent fly-off event in Latvia, part of the UK-led Drone Coalition supporting Ukraine. Following the event, 20 unarmed Vengeance FPV UAVs were delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces for testing. DefendTex is now awaiting feedback on the UAV’s performance in the field. The Drone Coalition focuses on supplying Ukraine with drones and components from Ukraine Defense Contact Group countries. Original news
Finland signs for more armoured personnel carriers
Finland’s Defence Forces Logistics Command (DFLC) signed an agreement to acquire 29 additional Patria 6×6 Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) armoured personnel carriers (APCs). This follows an earlier 2023 agreement for 91 APCs, with all remaining purchase options now exercised. The vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2025 as part of the international CAVS joint programme involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The CAVS programme began in 2020, and deliveries to participating countries have been ongoing. Other recent developments include Sweden’s order for 321 CAVS vehicles and Latvia’s receipt of its first CAVS vehicles. Original news
First locally produced Patria 6×6 APC delivered to Latvian armed forces
On August 5, 2024, Defence Partnership Latvia delivered the first Latvian-made Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) to the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF). This marks a milestone in a 2021 contract between Latvia and Patria to deliver over 200 APCs by 2029, aimed at enhancing Latvia’s defense capabilities and industrial base. A new facility in Valmiera, Latvia, was opened in May to produce around 30 APCs annually. The Patria 6×6 is part of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, with participation from Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. Patria has received nearly 700 orders for the APC, with […]