In Latvia, deterrence and defense are often talked about as one of the effective means that ensure peace and security in our region, however, the public often has to explain why the country is arming itself and why it allocates so much money to it, the prime minister said.
“But we arm ourselves not to fight, but to achieve peace, and in our country this peace would last for a long time, but armament would be a guarantee of this peace,” Siliņa stressed.
Latvia, together with its allies, has confirmed that they are ready to defend every centimeter of their land and NATO territory. “We think much less on a daily basis that in the course of battles, our soldiers would depend on such things as supply and logistics chains, which in turn depend on production capacity and the availability of raw materials,” added the Prime Minister.
Silina emphasized that the efficiency of the defense industry in deterring a potential enemy is as important as the ability to ensure the necessary intensity of combat operations.
The Prime Minister reminded that it is in the interests of national security to develop a sustainable defense industrial and technological base and supply security. In 2023, Latvia invested 4.3 million euros in defense industry projects, this year 4.9 million euros have been earmarked for this, and in 2025 – 6.85 million euros. Minister of Defense Andris Spruds (P) is urging the government to allocate even more funding for these purposes.
The Prime Minister expressed that she has heard the voices of businessmen regarding the reduction of bureaucratic procedures and the modernization of the regulatory framework. When the Ministry of Defense works together with entrepreneurs, these issues must be removed from the agenda.
Silina also emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence in national defense. The government headed by Silinas is thinking about how to rationally solve the issues of artificial intelligence both in the field of security and defense, as well as in education, economy, and transport. The government will soon make conceptual decisions about it. Representatives of the defense industry will be among the first to learn about it and be able to participate in the projects.
It has already been reported that the purpose of the Defense Industry Day is to update issues important to the defense industry, as well as to provide an opportunity for Latvian businessmen and research institutions to present the National Armed Forces with military and dual-use products and services produced in Latvia.
Industry Day gathered representatives of the defense industry and the National Armed Forces, entrepreneurs, representatives of research institutions, non-governmental organizations interested in the development of the industry, as well as representatives from the European Commission.
