Estonia and Latvia lay the foundations of the Livonian Shield

2023-05-23 14:43:43

Latvia and Estonia will jointly acquire the medium-range air defense system IRIS-T developed in multiple nations, Latvian Defense Minister Inira Mirniece said at a joint press conference with her counterpart Hanno Pevkur. Mirniece did not disclose any details of the acquisition, which is still ongoing, but she said it would be Latvia’s largest military purchase since it regained its independence in 1991. The Baltic countries expected initial deliveries in 2024 and full operational capacity by 2025.

The network of missile launchers, radars, and support teams to be deployed in both countries would be called Livonian coat of armsnamed for the medieval Livonian Confederation that encompassed what is now Estonia and most of Latvia.

Pevkur said that if final negotiations are completed, the procurement contract for the IRIS-T system could be signed “in a couple of months” and Mirniece added that the delivery and deployment could take place in 2025.

Both ministers said details of the deal could not be disclosed at this time, but Pevkur responded to a reporter’s question by saying the cost was in the hundreds of millions of euros.

Mirniece said that the joint purchase was necessary considering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that the IRIS-T system had proven its worth by hitting close to 100% of the targets it has been fired at.

“These systems are highly effective against Russia’s existing weapons systems, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles, and are capable of destroying short-range ballistic missiles,” he said.

Pevkur, for his part, said that Estonian military experts had taken the lead in the evaluation of air defense systems and the selection of IRIS-T, and Mirniece added that Latvian air defense specialists had gone to Ukraine to consult with the Ukrainian armed forces.

At Sunday’s press conference, the Latvian and Estonian defense ministers also announced that the Baltic air surveillance operation by rotating units of NATO air forces would move from Amari airbase in Estonia to Lielvirde airbase in Latvia.

Pevkur said that Amari would undergo a renovation and upgrade in 2024, starting next spring when weather conditions allow. The job could take six to eight months.