Two major programs have been launched in Europe for the development of missile defense and long-range strike capabilities, writes the specialized portal “Sargs.lv”.
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Ukraine, cooperating with Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, has formed an anti-ballistic defense coalition. Its goal is to create an independent and cost-effective European ballistic missile defense system based on the missile interceptor system “Freyja” developed by the Ukrainian defense company “Fire Point”. The coalition member states expect to deploy the system in 2027.
Meanwhile, the European Long-Range Strike Initiative (ELSA), involving the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Sweden, aims to develop a new generation of long-range cruise and ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 500 kilometers.
Although Latvia has not yet joined any of these initiatives, R. Melnis stated that the National Armed Forces will need to deploy such offensive and defensive capabilities.
“There is indeed a need to acquire ballistic missile defense capabilities. Therefore, we will have to decide whether to join one of these programs and cooperate with other countries or consider and evaluate what to purchase independently,” said the minister.
According to him, it is necessary to assess whether in this particular case it would be more beneficial to join a group where Latvia could learn from others and perhaps acquire weapons at a better price or to purchase them independently.
Russia’s war against Ukraine demonstrates the threat posed by ballistic missile strikes. Due to the current global shortage of “Patriot PAC-3” missile interceptors, Ukraine’s defense forces are finding it increasingly difficult to intercept enemy air targets.
“We will definitely need them and must start talking and considering this,” added R. Melnis.
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Asked whether Latvia could consider joining Ukraine’s anti-ballistic defense coalition, the defense minister took a cautious stance.
“I do not want to promise that, but together with the defense chief, we will soon have to carefully analyze our urgent needs,” said R. Melnis.
“All of this must be documented and evaluated so that we can understand how we will move towards this goal,” added the minister.
Besides defense against enemy ballistic missiles, Latvia also needs to consider its own long-range strike capabilities so that, like Ukraine, it can impact not only the enemy’s armed forces but also its economy and resilience. Therefore, a similar assessment is planned regarding cruise and ballistic missile capabilities.
“It’s not just drones, but also missiles. They have a much greater impact and are harder to intercept,” said R. Melnis.
According to the minister, the possibilities of acquiring missiles will need to be evaluated in cooperation with partners who are already developing these capabilities or already have them.
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