Latvian MoD seeks innovative defence and dual-use solutions
Armaments will be a priority for the Latvian MoD. (Photo: Latvian MoD)
The MoD is allocating funds to co-finance new solutions under the 2021 Grant Project Competition.
In order to access innovative military and dual-use solutions, the Latvian MoD will allocate €400,000 (about $470,000) to co-finance new systems under the 2021 Grant Project Competition. The service has identified unmanned systems, cyber security, EW and armaments as priority themes.
According to a press release from the MoD, it will cover half the costs of the chosen projects, potentially increasing to 75% if the results of the research can be exploited, promoting technology transfer as well as cooperation with research institutions.
The MoD will organise an online seminar on 20 September to disclose details about the competition. SMEs and entrepreneurs registered in Latvia will be allowed to join in the contest.
The submitted projects will be evaluated according to their applicability in the defence and security sector; the general ability of the company to develop the project; product innovation; technological capacity; the involvement of research organisations; international competitiveness; and the economic impact on the company's future business.
As the MoD noted in its press release, the goal of the contest is to increase the competitiveness, export and innovation capabilities of Latvian defence and security companies, while also aiding cooperation with research institutions in the development of military or dual-use products and technologies.
The MoD has been running this contest since 2018 and it has invested €1.2 million on 21 projects.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
![Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention]()
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
