Memorandum of Understanding Signed on Establishing an Anti-Tank Mine Production Facility in Latvia

Photo: Gatis Dieziņš, Ministryof Defence

On 5 February 2025 Ingrīda Ķirse, the Board Member of the “State Defence Corporation” Ltd. (SIA “Valsts aizsardzības korporācija”) and Michael Humbek, the Chief Executive Officer of the German defence industry company “Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH” (DND) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Establishing an Anti-Tank Mine Production Facility in Latvia, marking the launch of the project. The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Andris Sprūds attended the signing of the MoU.

“The goal of the MoU is to jointly establish an anti-tank laying mine production facility in Latvia, primarily to meet the needs of our NAF. Following the signing of this document, we will begin detailed preparatory work with our partner to develop a cooperation model and agree on the project implementation terms, ensuring the commencement of production as soon as possible,” I. Ķirse pointed out.

She added that through the Memorandum and the Project, the Corporation will expand and diversify the scope of its activities. Alongside the modular propellant charge production facility currently under development and the large-calibre ammunition project launched in cooperation with Rheinmetall, the Corporation intends to expand its portfolio to include the production of anti-tank mines.

“The Memorandum of Understanding with our Latvian partners underscores the shared political commitment to sustainably build and strengthen industrial capabilities within Europe. In this context we at DND contribute our long-standing technological expertise to the collaboration, thereby making a tangible contribution to enhancing Latvian and European defence capabilities as well as the resilience of security-critical supply chains.

The partnership with Latvia represents trust, reliability, and a long-term, strategically oriented cooperation in security and industrial policy,” said M. Humbek.

“The foundation of Latvia's national defence is not only the support of our allies but also our own ability to provide the National Armed Forces (NAF) with critically important equipment. Establishing an anti-tank mine production facility in Latvia is a strategic step towards military self-sufficiency. This partnership with the industry of Germany confirms that Latvia is a reliable partner capable of integrating the most modern technologies into local production, simultaneously strengthening both national security and economic growth,” emphasized A. Sprūds.

About the Memorandum and the project

The facility is expected to begin operation in 2028. It will provide a full production and supply cycle for the needs of the NAF, significantly increasing the resilience of the supply chains. The planned production capacity will also allow for exports.

The partnership with DND guarantees the introduction of modern technologies into the Latvia’s industry, which is a prerequisite for implementing such an ambitious project. By involving local businesses, the growth of the Latvia’s defence industry will be promoted, while also envisioning potential for product exports in the future.

DND is a well-known European defence manufacturer with extensive expertise in counter-mobility systems, anti-tank solutions and related fields. The partnership will facilitate the transfer of technology and know-how required for the establishment of the facility and the manufacturing of its products. The MoU also foresees the involvement of Latvia’s industry in the implementation of the project.

The signing of the MoU further builds on existing cooperation between Latvia’s defence sector and DND. In October 2025, the Ministry of Defence, the State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement and DND concluded a contract for the procurement of remote mining systems for the NAF.

The Memorandum is a document of restricted content and is not legally binding. It represents a standard step preceding the conclusion of a formal contract. Respecting the specifics of the projects, the defence industry, as well as the commitments set out in the MoU, no further details are being released at this stage.

About the “State Defence Corporation”

The Corporation was established following a decision by the Government of Latvia in November 2023. Its aims are to support the long-term development of Latvia’s defence industry, manage investments in the sector, and coordinate processes related to the production of military goods. Through these activities, the Corporation contributes to strengthening the supply capabilities of the NAF, supporting the growth of Latvia’s defence industry, and ensuring the security and continuity of international supply chains. The Corporation works in sectors that require significant state involvement and are not served by the private sector.

The Corporation also fosters national and cross-border cooperation and partnerships. The company is a wholly state-owned enterprise, with the Ministry of Defence acting as its shareholder. The Corporation is registered in the Register of Enterprises as a company of significance to national security.

MORE INFORMATION
AGNESE KORBE 
State Defence Corporation 
Communication and Stakeholder Relations Manager
+371 29110062 
agnese.korbe@defencecorporation.lv 
defencecorporation.lv
linkedin.com/defence-corporation

MINISTRY of DEFENCE
Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
+371 67335129
prese@mod.gov.lv