On Tuesday, October 13th, Latvia's government adopted a decision to establish a new anti-tank mine production facility in Latvia which it said would "begin operations in 2028".
"This project will ensure a full production and supply cycle for the needs of the National Armed Forces, as well as a large part of the production planned for export, significantly increasing the resilience and security of supply chains. The project is expected to establish a new anti-tank mine production facility, which will also be able to supply the explosives components, while providing significant support to Latvian industry. The establishment of the facility will also ensure secure access to suppliers of critical raw materials and equipment," said a government release.
"The establishment of the factory will be a significant step in strengthening Latvia's defence capabilities and national production capacity. It will help ensure timely and reliable supplies for the needs of the National Armed Forces, while reducing dependence on external suppliers. In cooperation with international partners, we are developing new technological skills and production competencies in Latvia, which will strengthen both national security and the development of the industry in the long term," said Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis (New Unity).
The government's decision is the next step after a memorandum of understanding was signed in February this year with German company Dynamit Nobel Defence, as previously reported by LSM.
DND makes a couple of different types of anti-tank mines, or "counter mobility solutions" as it refers to them. The initiative is related to the defence industry's contract for the purchase of the Skorpion 2 remote mine-laying system which has already been signed.
“Together with DND, we have already carried out practical preparatory work. Having received the “green light” from the government for the anti-tank mine project, we will begin working on its practical implementation. This year, we plan to conclude a cooperation agreement with DND on the establishment of a production facility, including the transfer of technology and knowledge,” said Ingrīda Ķirse, a member of the board of the State Defence Corporation, which is handling the Latvian end of the deal.
Nor was that the only big-ticket defence matter on the agenda at the government's Tuesday meeting. The Cabinet of Ministers also approved the implementation of the national "Defence Innovation Research Programme" from 2026 to 2029 worth 6 million euros, and also approved draft regulations that will give military personnel a significant pay rise.
Currently, the minimum monthly salary of a soldier is 835 euros gross per month. It is provisionally expected that from 2027, the basic salary of soldiers will increase by an average of 190 euros gross per month, and from 2028 - by an average of 147 euros gross per month. The actual salary increase will depend on the soldier's rank and length of service, so it may differ for each soldier.
The salary review is an important step towards achieving the goals set in the National Armed Forces Development Plan for 2025–2036. The strategic vision of the plan stipulates that the monthly salary of a soldier should be 35% higher than the minimum monthly salary set in the country, while the monthly salary of an officer should be 20 to 30% higher than the monthly salary of a soldier.
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