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.
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