A. Sprūds: Baltic States and the United States Shared Security and Defense Goals

This week in Washington, U.S., Minister of Defense of Republic of Latvia Andris Sprūds during a working visit met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. During the talks between officials, the United States expressed appreciation for the Baltic States’ targeted defense investments, as well as emphasized the close political and military cooperation that significantly strengthens NATO’s collective security and deterrence capabilities in the region.

“Latvia’s and the United States’ cooperation in the field of defense and security is close, strategic, and long-term. We highly value the U.S. presence and leadership in the region, which makes a significant contribution to our and NATO collective security. Today, we affirmed our readiness to further deepen our partnership, because security is not just a priority – it is a shared responsibility,” A. Sprūds stated.

During the meeting of the Baltic Defense Ministers with the U.S. Secretary of Defense P. Hegseth, the joint commitment to achieving NATO capability goals by investing at least 5 % of the gross domestic product in defense and security. The need to ensure long-term support for the presence of allied forces in the region, as well as to expand military training opportunities at the training grounds of the Baltic States was emphasized.

During the conversation, the Minister of Defense A. Sprūds suggested increasing the volume of joint military training, as well as encouraging closer cooperation with the Latvian defense industry in the field of drones and other innovative solutions.

During the visit, the critical importance of the U.S. presence and leadership in strengthening regional security and implementing the policy of deterrence was repeatedly emphasized. The meeting confirmed the importance of transatlantic unity and reaffirmed that the Baltic States are reliable partners in NATO and are ready to invest not only in their own security, but also in the security of the entire alliance.

This was the first official meeting of the Baltic Defense Ministers with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, who was confirmed in office on January 25 of this year.

Cooperation with the United States is one of the priorities of Latvia’s defense policy in bilateral relations. Since 2014, the United States Armed Forces have been stationed in the Baltic States on a rotational basis as part of the Atlantic Resolve training operation, demonstrating the United States’ continued contribution to the collective security of NATO member states and promoting peace and stability in the Baltic States and Poland.

In recent years, military cooperation between Latvia and the United States has increased, including large-scale purchases of military equipment. In December 2023, Latvia and the United States announced the conclusion of a contract for the purchase of Naval Strike Missile anti-ship missile systems manufactured by the US company Raytheon and the Norwegian company Kongsberg for a value of 105 million US dollars. Latvia has also signed a contract with the US government for the purchase of six HIMARS high-mobility artillery missile systems manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is planned that the Latvian National Armed Forces could receive this armament starting in 2027.

The United States is a long-standing strategic partner and ally of Latvia, playing a significant role in strengthening Latvia's security. The relationship between the two countries is based on shared values and a common understanding of democracy.
 

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv