RIGA - Only one in three of Latvia’s planned projects to improve defence capabilities will be ready within five years, according to Latvia’s Defence Ministry State Secretary Janis Sarts.
Sarts, who participated in a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels this week, said in an interview with LETA news agency that it is important for Latvia to continue increasing its defense spending in the coming years, so that it finally reaches two percent of GDP.
Sarts pointed out that the Defense Ministry has about 27 major projects it wishes to implement to improve Latvia’s defense capabilities. But he added, however, that even if there is a substantial increase in defense spending, only about eight or nine of these projects will be implemented within the next five years.
Sarts pointed out that Latvia now has to complete its homework in regard to increasing defense spending, as NATO partner countries intend to keep tabs on how Latvia is progressing with its commitments. He also said Latvia has to improve its host country support capabilities, so that Latvia could successfully take-in NATO soldiers and military equipment.
Sarts also highlighted several areas where Latvia intends to improve its defense capabilities - equipping soldiers with mechanized defense equipment, improving anti-air capabilities, improving the advanced warning systems, as well as increasing the armed forces by approximately 2,000 soldiers, expanding the Home Guards and activating the army reserves.
Sarts was speaking shortly after the news came through that NATO defense ministers agreed last Wednesday to further boost the alliance’s presence on its eastern flank in response to a new security environment resulting from Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
NATO has been stepping up its role in Eastern Europe to deter potential aggressors and reassure its allies over the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been condemned for annexing Crimea and allegedly supporting pro-Moscow separatists.
The ministers agreed Wednesday to boost the air, maritime and special operations components of the alliance’s rapid response force, which will increase to a maximum of 40,000 personnel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced in Brussels.
They also took measures aimed at speeding up troop deployments for exercises or emergency situations in Europe, by giving military commanders the ability to prepare troops for such a call.
Plans were also finalized for six small headquarters being set up in Eastern Europe to help with exercises and planning in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. Each should be staffed with around 40 people by the end of the year.
Earlier this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter confirmed plans for Washington to stockpile heavy weaponry in those countries.
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