Estonia, Latvia to share use of German air defense systems

Robert Besser
25 May 2023, 02:59 GMT+10

Estonia and Latvia defense ministries are planning to jointly acquire German air defense systems for the protection of the two NATO nations' airspace
The agreement would be the largest defense cooperation between the Baltic neighbors bordering Russia
The medium-range IRIS-T SLM air defense system, manufactured by weapons maker Diehl Defense of Germany, could be delivered next year and be operational in 2025

TALLINN, Estonia: The defense ministries of Estonia and Latvia have announced that they are planning to jointly acquire German air defense systems for the protection of the two NATO nations' airspace.

The agreement would be the largest defense cooperation between the Baltic neighbors bordering Russia.

The medium-range IRIS-T SLM air defense system, manufactured by weapons maker Diehl Defense of Germany, could be delivered next year and be operational in 2025.

The two defense ministries did not confirm the value of the purchase or number of units to be bought, adding that talks with Diehl are ongoing.

In a statement, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said the agreement is "a joint project of historical proportions for our defense cooperation, the largest one to date" between Tallinn and Riga.

"Presuming that negotiations are successful, we, Estonia and Latvia, hope to reach the contract and, subsequently, announce the official winning bidder this summer," Pevkur said.

In a statement, Latvian Defense Minister Inara Murniece said, "Our jointly selected medium-range air defense system will further secure the skies of Latvia and Estonia and will provide the maximum possible protection for our people, as well as civil and military infrastructure."

The IRIS-T SLM air defense system is designed to protect cities, armies and civilian population from air attacks, and is effective against aircraft, helicopters and a host of other threats, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and munitions.

Germany earlier delivered such air defense systems to Ukraine, where they are reported to have been successfully used against Russian targets.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to San Antonio Post.

More Information

79 ℉

Cloudy in San Antonio/Kelly

Texas

Section

India allegedly chose Windows' weakness to get access to Microsoft's operating system for malicious purpose

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The government has warned all information technology (I.T.) and financial institutions, including regulators, to avoid using "Indian ...

NASA appoints new chief of UFO research

WASHINGTON D.C.: This week, NASA's Administrator Bill Nelson announced the appointment of the new research chief without disclosing the person's ...

Rangers look to strengthen grip on first place in clash vs. Mariners

(Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) The Texas Rangers delivered the opening salvo of their pivotal series with the Seattle ...

Lowly Royals turn into mighty opponent for fading Astros

(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) With their 12-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sept. 10, the Houston ...

MLB roundup: Ronald Acuna Jr. joins 40/40 club in Braves' win

(Photo credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports) Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley homered in the first inning, and the Atlanta ...

Cole Ragans, Royals shut down Astros in 7-5 win

(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) Cole Ragans produced his seventh quality start since being acquired by the Kansas City ...

International

Section