The Ministry of Defense is evaluating the possibility of producing mines in Latvia

The Ministry of Defense is evaluating the possible production of landmines in Latvia, Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds (P) told the LETA agency.

As Latvia develops the knowledge and technologies for the production of ammunition and explosives, in cooperation with partners, we can start thinking about the next steps, and the possibility of assembling or manufacturing mines is currently being evaluated.

“It is important to build an international partnership. [..] We also want to cooperate with local industry and local businessmen,” the minister emphasized.

Speaking about the project of the artillery ammunition modular explosives block factory, Spruds stated that the implementation of the project in Latvia is planned within three years. Work on the design and development of the production plant will start already this year.

The minister did not want to reveal the location of the potential production plant at the moment, because all the information about this project is not yet public. Once all the details have been agreed with the partners, the Ministry of Defense will be able to reveal both the amount of the necessary funding and the specific location.

The minister reassured that the residents should not worry about the danger of the production plant, because it will be safe, and the best experience from international partners will be used. He also reminded that there are already private ammunition production plants in Latvia.

It has already been reported that at the end of last year, the government of Latvia supported the establishment of the state capital company of the military industry SIA “Valsts pradzisne korporācija”.

Taking into account the needs of the Latvian National Armed Forces, the “State Defense Corporation” will form joint ventures between Latvian and foreign merchants for the production of specific products, thus strengthening the security of supplies.

As one of the first projects to be implemented by the “State Defense Corporation”, the creation of a factory of 155 millimeter ammunition modular explosive blocks together with the Finnish and Norwegian company “Nammo” as well as the French and Italian company “Nexter” is planned.

The total cost of the project is estimated at around 100 million euros. The construction of a factory in Latvia could cost up to approximately 30 million euros.

The project for the establishment of the factory has been applied for EU funding, which is allowed by the “Ammunition Production Support Act” regulation. According to the regulation, you can receive up to 45% co-financing.

Mine detonation. Photo: Evija Trifanova/LETA