Memorandum of Understanding signed for the establishment of an anti-tank mine production facility in Latvia
On Thursday, February 5, Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the establishment of a specialized production facility for anti-tank mines and their essential components in Latvia. The memorandum was signed by SIA “State Defence Corporation”, represented by board member Ingrīda Ķirse, and the German military industry company “Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH,” represented by CEO Michael Humbek.
The facility is expected to begin operations in 2028. It will provide a full production and supply cycle for the needs of the National Armed Forces, significantly increasing the resilience of the national supply chains. The project is linked to fulfilling the security of supply requirements of the "Skorpion 2" remote minelaying system procurement contract signed by the defence sector last year. The partnership with "Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH" guarantees the introduction of modern technologies into the Latvian industry, which is a prerequisite for implementing such an ambitious project. By involving local businesses, the growth of the Latvian defence industry will be promoted, while also envisioning potential for product exports in the future.
"The foundation of Latvia's national defence is not only the support of our allies but also our own ability to provide the National Armed Forces with critically important equipment. Establishing an anti-tank mine production facility in Latvia is a strategic step towards military self-sufficiency. This partnership with the German industry confirms that Latvia is a reliable partner capable of integrating the most modern technologies into local production, simultaneously strengthening both national security and economic growth," emphasizes A. Sprūds.
“The goal of the Memorandum of Understanding is to jointly establish an anti-tank mine production facility in Latvia, primarily to meet the needs of our National Armed Forces. Following the signing of this document, we will begin detailed preparatory work with our partner to develop a cooperation model and agree on the project implementation terms, ensuring the commencement of production as soon as possible,” points out I. Ķirse.
She adds that with this memorandum and this project, the State Defence Corporation will expand and diversify its scope of operations. “Alongside the already developing 'ROLLO' modular powder charge production facility for artillery ammunition and the initiated artillery shell project in cooperation with 'Rheinmetall', VAK intends to supplement its 'portfolio' with the production of anti-tank mines.”
“The Memorandum of Understanding with our Latvian partners underscores the shared political commitment to sustainably build and strengthen industrial capabilities within Europe. In this context we at “Dynamit Nobel Defence” contribute our long-standing technological expertise to the collaboration, thereby making a tangible contribution to enhancing Latvian and European defence capabilities as well as the resilience of security-critical supply chains. The partnership with Latvia represents trust, reliability, and a long-term, strategically oriented cooperation in security and industrial policy,” said M. Humbek.
The signed MoU continues the cooperation between the Latvian defence sector and industry with "Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH." As mentioned previously, it is based on the cooperation initiated last year—the contract concluded in October 2025 for the delivery of "Skorpion 2" remote minelaying systems to the National Armed Forces.
Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335129
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
