Latvia releases spending plans
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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.