Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis expressed strong support for Israel’s right to self-defense during a visit to Israel on Thursday, emphasizing Latvia’s interest in acquiring Israeli defense technologies amid rising regional security concerns linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During his visit, Melnis met with Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, Director-General Amir Baram, and representatives from major Israeli defense companies including Rafael, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries. The discussions focused on potential Latvian procurement of advanced military equipment, with particular attention to air defense systems capable of countering drones and ballistic missile threats.
Latvia, which faces the risk of drones crossing into its airspace due to the conflict in Ukraine, is exploring Israeli loitering munitions, air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, and anti-ballistic missile technologies. While Latvia has opted to integrate into a collective European air defense framework, it sees value in acquiring proven Israeli systems to strengthen its own capabilities. Melnis noted that Israel’s defense products are “battle-proven” and benefit from extensive operational experience over decades, including recent conflicts.
“We have initiated discussions, but we need to move fast,” Melnis said, adding hopes that system deliveries could occur within a much shorter timeframe than the typical years-long procurement process. Though he declined to specify a timeline, he indicated a preference for less than three years from decision to deployment.
Cyber defense was not a primary goal of the visit, Melnis said, although Latvian experts are continuing to evaluate Israel’s technologies in this area. The focus remained on acquiring loitering munitions, artillery, radar systems, and other advanced defense equipment that Latvian officials find difficult to match elsewhere. Further military expert delegations are planned to deepen this knowledge exchange.
Melnis highlighted the value of Israel’s battlefield expertise, comparing it with that of Ukraine. “The only two countries that have wide-ranging battlefield experience are Israel and Ukraine,” he said, referencing Israel’s extensive experience spanning decades.
Politically, the visit underscored Latvia’s support for Israel amid regional tensions. Melnis condemned Iranian attacks against Israel, labeling Iran as a threat not only to Israel but also to regional stability and to Ukraine, where Iran backs Russia. He reaffirmed Latvia’s solidarity with Israel despite recent controversies impacting Israel’s international image.
Latvia is also seeking to expand economic cooperation with Israel beyond defense, even as the European Union maintains a boycott on Israeli settlements. The defense minister’s visit follows earlier trips by Latvian procurement officials and builds on previous arms deals, including purchases of Spike missiles from Rafael and turret systems from Elbit, as well as cyber capabilities.
Melnis concluded that developing deeper political and military ties with Israel is important both strategically and symbolically for Latvia, especially in the current volatile security environment in Eastern Europe.