2024-04-18 14:49:10
Currently, it can be observed that in all military procurements, the manufacturing industries are not keeping up with the demand, and mine manufacturers are no exception. “We are aware of potential suppliers, but we must understand that we are competing with the armed forces of other countries, because looking at the example of Ukraine, mines are considered as a good and not very expensive tool in the fight with the enemy,” said Strazditis.
“Before we have carried out specific procurement procedures with manufacturers, I think it is too early to talk about whether we will be able to get them on time or not. At the moment, we are looking at it positively,” Stazditis added.
The colonel recalled what the defense department had previously said that it was planned to purchase various anti-tank and guided anti-personnel mines. In peacetime, no minefields will be laid, but these munitions will be stored in secure warehouses near the border for rapid deployment if necessary.
The colonel also said that since March 5, the army has placed reinforced concrete blocks, “Hesco” bastions, or structures filled with earth or sand, near the border for protection from enemy fire. Also, the formalities for re-digging roads and identification of companies for the purchase of other obstacles are continuing. The plan also provides for dragon’s teeth, anti-tank ditches and emplacements.
The colonel did not deny that the creation of each obstacle needs to be planned, besides, it should be taken into account that NBS is not the owner of the lands on the border. Land plots are owned by the state, municipalities, private individuals and legal entities. NBS primarily looks at state and municipal lands.
Strazditis assured that by strengthening and protecting the state border in Latgale, more and more soldiers will be able to be seen in the border areas both participating in training and performing tasks.
It has already been reported that the plan for the military strengthening and anti-mobility of the eastern border, recently approved by the government, is part of the creation of the Baltic defense line, which will include the creation of support points for the National Armed Forces units along the entire border of Russia and Belarus – defensive positions for soldiers and fortified defensive positions, various obstacles, anti-tank ditches, ammunition and mine stores.
During the next five years, the defense industry will invest 303 million euros in strengthening the border. The works for which this funding is intended started in March.
In order to prevent the movement of the enemy, the strengthening of the border in Latvia will begin with the re-digging of the existing roads, creating anti-tank ditches, while later the drainage ditches on the border will also be transformed into anti-tank ditches.
Different types of obstacles will also be placed, for example, anti-tank ditches will be reinforced with concrete blocks and structures, for example, with so-called “dragon’s teeth” and anti-tank mines. Placement of obstacles will be adapted to the terrain, using also natural obstacles – swamps, forests and other natural objects.
At the same time, safe storage facilities for explosives and mines, as well as engineering materials, will be identified and installed in the border zone for quick reinforcement of defense positions. Also, plans will be developed for the preparation of the most important transport arteries – roads, railways, bridges – for quick and effective breaking in order to delay the possible advance of the enemy.
This year, 25 million euros have been earmarked for the implementation of the measures provided for in the plan.
Although the current plan is for five years, in general, the strengthening of the country’s defense capabilities will take place in the long term.
In January of this year, the defense ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement on the establishment of the Baltic Defense Line to strengthen the eastern border of the Baltic states and NATO. The Baltic defense line will be built in a coordinated manner, but each country will do it with its own budget funds.
The Baltic Defense Line will significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Baltic States to militarily protect their borders and delay Russia’s ability to conduct rapid military operations. The construction of the line is in line with NATO’s defense plans.
The agreement of the Baltic States does not stipulate that all countries will start or finish the construction of this line completely synchronously on the same day.
The plan approved by the government will be implemented in parallel with the construction of the infrastructure of the country’s eastern border, including the fence, to stop illegal immigrants and border crossers, implemented by the Ministry of the Interior and VAS “Valsts nekustamie espasumi”. Millions of euros have been spent on the construction of the infrastructure so far and large sums are expected in the future.
2024-04-18 14:49:10