Latvia releases spending plans
Baltic republic maintains NATO commitment on 2% GDP minimum for defence spending.
Military spending in Latvia will account for at least 2% of national GDP in 2021, according to legislation passed on 2 December.
The defence budget of €707.82 million ($856.89 million) will be €44.15 million higher than in 2020.
In addition, the government approved plans to spend €746.51 million in 2022 and €745.91 million in 2023.
Areas to receive most attention in 2021 will be indirect fire support and operational and tactical intelligence, army mechanisation, tactical airlift, C2 capabilities, combat engineering and air defence.
Latvia also intends to develop a medium-lift helicopter capability for medevac, SAR and firefighting.
Another priority is to develop the Latvian National Guard as a combat-ready force.
Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks said: ‘Our goal is to strengthen Latvia and our society by implementing a comprehensive national defence system. The defence budget will also provide an opportunity for Latvian industry to grow and develop, as we expect that Latvian entrepreneurs will be able to provide and produce what is necessary for national defence.’
It is planned to involve the national defence industry in R&D of UGVs, engineering equipment, and small arms ammunition. Shephard Defence Insight notes that Latvia is working with Estonia and Finland to develop UGVs under the EU Permanent Structure Cooperation framework.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
