Latvia's defense capabilities increasingly based on local industry - Silina

RIGA - In the changing security environment, Latvia's defense capabilities are increasingly based on local industry, technology and innovations, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said at the opening of the annual Defense Industry Day on Thursday.

Latvia's security starts with the people, ideas and technologies that are being developed in Latvia, said Silina. "It is particularly important for the government and for me that technology, robots and digital systems play an increasingly important role in our country's defense and security industry," she said.

The lessons we are learning from Ukraine confirm that the defense industry must be able to continuously change its plans made in previous years. "We cannot afford not to think about robotic and innovative technologies, which are key to successful defense in Ukraine," Silina emphasized.

The prime minister believes that the strength of Latvian industry lies in its flexibility, long-term technological thinking and ability to cooperate. "Cooperation between industry, the armed forces and security institutions is a day-to-day process that needs to be freed from unnecessary bureaucracy," said Silina.

The annual Defense Industry Day brings together several hundred participants - business representatives, soldiers and National Guard members, representatives of state institutions, policymakers, researchers and international partners.

The event is organized by the Latvian Federation of Security and Defense Industries in cooperation with the Defense Ministry.