M109A5 self-propelled guns purchased by the Latvian Army from Austria in the past (Latvian Army)

[Military Channel/Comprehensive Report] The Latvian Ministry of Defense stated in a statement that the Latvian army will acquire "key capabilities" such as anti-ship missile systems, medium-range air defense weapons, and long-range artillery equipment and technologies five years earlier than originally planned.

Since the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Eastern European countries have been more active in preparing for conflicts than in the past. In addition to providing equipment to the Ukrainian army and strengthening military exercises and cooperation with NATO countries, Eastern European countries have also begun to increase their calculations and purchase new military equipment. equipment, and there are even plans to restore conscription.

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This year, the Latvian authorities plan to spend 1.1 billion US dollars (approximately NT$33 billion) in the relevant budget of the armed forces, which is equivalent to 2.25% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

This week, the Latvian government also voted to purchase Naval Strike Missile (NSM for short) to maintain its coastal security in the Baltic Sea.

The picture shows the moment when the "Hippocampus" system launches a precision-guided rocket.

(Associated Press)

The Naval Strike Anti-Ship Missile System (NSM) was jointly developed by the American defense company Raytheon and the Norwegian defense company Kongsberg (Kongsberg). It is a sea-skimming missile for beyond-visual-range operations with a range of about 185 kilometers.

According to the Latvian Ministry of Defense, the military's procurement plan will begin delivery after 2025.

In addition to the upcoming Naval Strike Anti-Ship Missile (NSM) procurement program, the Latvian Ministry of Defense also plans to sign a contract for six Hippocampus M142 High Mobility Multiple Rocket Strike Systems (HIMARS) this spring , if successfully signed, this will be the third Baltic country to sign an arms purchase contract for the "Hippocampus" system since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

The picture shows a U.S. Navy ship launching a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during an exercise (U.S. Navy)

Latvian Defense Minister Ināra Mūrniece said: "The acquisition of the NSM system marks that the Latvian Armed Forces will have more powerful firepower and a wider range of defense capabilities, and will significantly strengthen Latvia's coastal defense capability."

keywords

  • US military

  • latvia

  • anti-ship missile

  • Raytheon

  • M142 Seahorse Multiple Launch Rocket System

  • NSM

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