Latvia needs over €422 million for artillery purchases through 2029

Latvia's government decided on Tuesday to reallocate 43,635,000 euros from the "National Defense and Security Fund" program to a subprogram of the Ministry of Defense dedicated to maintaining the National Armed Forces, in order to fund the purchase of artillery systems. According to a report by the LETA news agency, the decision's explanatory note states that fulfilling artillery procurement contracts between 2026 and 2029 will require total funding of 422.25 million euros.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed that this sum covers both the purchase of Czech-made "Morana" self-propelled howitzers and an additional rocket artillery project being developed alongside the existing HIMARS rocket artillery system program. The ministry said negotiations on the new rocket artillery project are currently underway, so no further details can be disclosed at this time.

Funding sources

The development of artillery capabilities is planned to be financed through a loan from the European Union's "Security Action for Europe" (SAFE) financial instrument, along with national budget funds.

Background

In mid-September, the government revised its earlier plans and decided not to purchase Swedish-made 155mm wheeled Archer artillery systems, opting instead for the cheaper Czech-made Morana self-propelled howitzers. Latvia had previously signed a contract with the U.S. government for six Lockheed Martin-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The National Armed Forces are expected to receive this equipment starting in 2027.