The expenses of the Latvian Ministry of Defense for next year are planned in the amount of 1,357 million euros, the main priorities will be the purchase of weapons and the creation of a defense line on the eastern border. This is indicated in documents presented by the department to parliament, which is examining the draft state budget for next year. This was reported by Nashrezekne citing Grani.lv.
It should be noted that 1.35 billion euros are planned for basic defense functions and 4.66 million euros for the implementation of projects and activities with co-financing from the EU and other foreign financial aid.
The main areas of activity of the Latvian Ministry of Defense over the next year will be the development of the capabilities of the National Armed Forces (FNA), including air defense, drones, long-range artillery and infantry fighting vehicles . Further strengthening the defense line on Latvia’s eastern border is also indicated as one of the priorities.
In addition, the Ministry of Defense intends to develop the local defense industry, meet the basic operational needs of the armed forces, promote innovation and new product development for the defense sector, and develop military infrastructure, including the field of Selia military training.
“Next year it is planned to begin expanding the structure of the NAF, eventually increasing the number of personnel to 31,000 soldiers and 30,000 trained and equipped reserve troops. Also in 2025, the training of Ukrainian military personnel and the transfer of material and technical equipment to Ukraine will continue. The Ministry of Defense’s spending forecast for 2026 is 1,559 million euros.” – says the note.
