Latvia to deploy additional air defense systems in near future

Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis said on Thursday that the defense ministry will deploy additional air defense systems in the near future, following a meeting of the Military Council. Melnis stated that the defense sector is actively working to improve the air defense system and ensure safe skies, with a focus on deploying additional radar and interceptor systems along the country's eastern border.

While procurement procedures and the time required have posed challenges, Melnis confirmed that a solution has been found and additional systems will be deployed soon. He emphasized the need not only for drones and radars but also for system integration and soldier training, thanking allies from Ukraine for their support.

The minister also outlined the next step—a more detailed and systematic approach to the Baltic defense line, with key challenges being land acquisition and obstacle placement. Representatives of the National Armed Forces (NBS) briefed the President and Melnis on the third phase of the line's construction, including digging anti-tank ditches and placing obstacles.

NBS Commander Kaspars Pudāns told reporters that the council was informed about the current combat readiness level and proposed solutions for immediate improvement based on potential scenarios. He expressed satisfaction with cooperation with municipalities, noting that joint exercises have helped improve understanding.

Melnis said dialogue with municipalities must continue and that interior ministry and Crisis Management Center representatives should be involved in the future. The defense line project was agreed upon by Baltic states and Poland on January 19, 2024. The NBS has been reinforcing the eastern border since March 2024. Last year, 45 million euros were allocated for this effort, and this year, 55 million euros are planned.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, seven drones have crashed in Latvia, with one neutralized by NATO fighters. The NBS has previously stated that it is not automatically assumed that all drones involved in incidents are Ukrainian. One drone incident in spring led to the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds and the collapse of the government.