Spruds commits to develop Latvian-French cooperation in defense

RIGA - During his working visit to France, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) and French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu have agreed on closer cooperation in strengthening defense capabilities, the Press Department of the Defense Ministry informed LETA.

The meeting with the French Minister of the Armed Forces focused on a number of strategic issues. The ministers discussed the need for closer cooperation to ensure adequate and timely military support to Ukraine. Spruds underlined that deterring further Russian aggression is a key objective.

During the talks, the role of NATO and the need to strengthen air defense, which is one of the Alliance's priorities, were underlined.

Spruds expressed his gratitude to France for its presence in the Baltic region and its contribution to the patrolling of Baltic airspace. The need to increase defense spending to respond more effectively to security challenges was also discussed.

At European Union level, ministers discussed the ReArm Europe initiative to strengthen the defense industry in Europe. The trigger underlined the need for direct investment in the EU defense industry, in particular in research and development.

Spruds met several French defense and security companies, including KNDS France, Latvia's partner in the Rollo project.

This project foresees the establishment of a modular powder projectile plant in Latvia by 2027, which will contribute to increasing Europe's munitions production capacity. The Defense Minister also met with representatives of Eurenco and Safran to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation and attracting the Latvian defense industry to joint projects.