Combat engineer capability development project

Project aims to set up and further develop integrated combat engineering capabilities that will lead to enhanced mobility, counter-mobility, general fire support and survival capabilities across the regular units of the National Armed Forces and National Guard, and contribute to achievement of capability development goals of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Project is implemented over the 2018-2027 period.

Counter-mobility capabilities are being extended by developing mining, explosives capabilities and ability of units to construct non-explosive obstacle lines. In 2024, all three Baltic countries implemented joint agreement for replenishing of defence projectile stocks. Initiative also envisages procurement of special materials and technologies that military engineering units and explosives ordinance units will use.

Mobility will be upgraded through development of capabilities required to cross various off-road and water areas. This will provide NAF with greater freedom of movement and alternatives to the civilian infrastructure like bridges and overpasses. NAF have already received first units of M3 amphibious rig. Amphibious rig units are being formed to ensure that NAF and allied forces have the mobility capability to cross water.

Survival skills will be deepened through training NAF military engineers how to build all kinds of fortifications, camps and meeting points, clearing route and access roads.

Military engineering capabilities play enormous role in swift deployment of NATO allied forces to Latvia in scope of the collective defence framework.