US, Latvia sign defence procurement agreement

The governments of Latvia and the US have signed a reciprocal defence procurement agreement to provide businesses in both countries with equal access to procurements implemented by the other party, the Latvian Ministry of Defence announced on 11 May.

The agreement - part of NATO's commitment to deepen the compatibility, interchangeability and commonality of defence capabilities - will enable the participation of Latvian defence and security manufacturers and service providers on procurement programmes initiated by the US. This will promote the expansion of Latvia's defence and security industry and lead to the application of common military standards between both nations.

The Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia expects the agreement to create favourable conditions for successful cooperation between Latvian and American industries, increase the transfer of technology for strategic projects, and promote supply chain security in the Latvian market.

Latvian companies will gain access to US supply chains as service providers and producers of components or fully assembled products for the US market. The agreement will also support participation in procurements implemented by international organisations and the establishment of international procurement consortia.