IRIS-T air defense systems could be put into operation in Latvia in first half of next year

LIELVARDE - The IRIS-T medium-range air defense system could actually begin operational duty in Latvia in the first half of next year, Edmunds Svencs, Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces Air Force, told LETA.

Svencs noted that the first systems are scheduled to be delivered later this year. "We plan to receive the initial batch by the end of the year. Overall, the system includes radar systems, command post systems, and logistics. This year, we will begin the acceptance process," said Svencs.

"The actual operational deployment of the systems on combat duty will depend on how quickly personnel can be trained. It took Estonia about half a year from receipt to actually begin operating these systems," Svencs explained.

"It’s one thing to teach the procedures, but it’s another to integrate them into the overall NATO surveillance and response system," emphasized the Air Force commander, adding that the systems could actually begin operating on combat duty in the first half of next year, or perhaps even sooner.

The deployment locations of the systems will be classified information.

Svencs reported that the National Armed Forces have deployed the Blaze interceptor drones received this year near the eastern border. At the same time, the integration of these interceptors into combat systems and the training of soldiers are continuing.

The Air Force commander has no information on whether Blaze has been used in incidents involving foreign drones entering Latvian airspace, as the chain of command related to the use of NATO fighter jets is primarily activated in such cases.

Gunars Kaulins, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces for Operational Matters, told members of the press today that Latvia cannot defend its airspace on its own, so the NBS, together with NATO allies, continues to monitor the airspace and maintains readiness to respond to any potential threats.

"We have the will, but we do not yet have all the necessary resources at our disposal. We know we need to do more, and we are doing this," Kaulins emphasized, adding that in recent years, Latvia has made significant investments in strengthening its multi-layered air defense.

Kaulins also noted that Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine demonstrates just how diverse and complex modern airborne threats are. This means we must be prepared to counter combat aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

"Various threats can arise at any moment and simultaneously, so the response must be coordinated, flexible, and well-integrated," Kaulins added.

"All allied fighter jets, ground-based air defense systems, surveillance systems, and anti-drone capabilities play a vital role. However, their effectiveness depends on our ability to share information, follow clear procedures, and act swiftly and jointly," emphasized Kaulins.

As previously reported, on November 30, 2023, the Ministry of Defense signed a supply contract with the German company Diehl Defence for the acquisition of the IRIS-T medium-range air defense system.

The supply contract, worth EUR 600 million, provides for the procurement of equipment necessary for the effective operation of the IRIS-T system, which will ensure the implementation of layered air defense in Latvia.