Latvia to reinforce eastern border with additional air defence systems

Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis has said the country will soon deploy additional air defence systems, particularly to strengthen its eastern border.

Source: Latvian media outlet LSM, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 25 June, the Military Council held a closed-door meeting with the heads of local authorities from Latvia's eastern border region.

Melnis stated that efforts are underway to equip the eastern border with additional radar systems and interception capabilities.

"We cannot rule out the possibility of a drone entering our airspace 100%. But we will work to improve our air defence systems and ensure safe skies," the minister said, acknowledging that procurement procedures and the time required to complete them are a major challenge. However, he added that solutions have already been found that will allow additional air defence systems to be deployed in the near future.

"We need not only drones and radars, but also the integration of these systems and the training of soldiers. Here, I must thank our allies from Ukraine," Melnis stressed.

Following the meeting, the Latvian president, the commander of the armed forces and the defence minister said that, in addition to air defence, discussions had also covered the deployment of engineering barriers along the land border and the exchange of classified information between local authorities.

They also discussed early warning systems, communications, response procedures, shelters and the responsibilities of local authorities during emergencies.

Background:

• NATO fighter jets have shot down stray Ukrainian drones over the Baltic states twice: the first over Estonia and the second over Latvia.
• Estonia recently found one such drone that is believed to have entered its airspace on 3 June.

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