The supply contract is worth approximately EUR 600 million. Latvia will receive all necessary equipment for the efficient operation of the IRIS-T systems.
Diehl Defence is scheduled to begin delivery of medium-range air defense systems in 2026.
Until then, Latvia has to train personnel and improve infrastructure, as well as fulfill other prerequisites, so that at the moment of delivery of the IRIS-T system, the national Armed Forces are ready to use and maintain them fully.
AM said that in September this year, Latvia and Estonia signed a joint agreement for the purchase of an IRIS-T mid-range air defense system manufactured by the German company Diehl Defence.
IRIS-T anti-aircraft defense systems are capable of destroying enemy aircraft and drones within 40 kilometers and up to 20 kilometers.
Joint procurement of one type of system will allow Latvia and Estonia to save budget resources, as well as facilitate mutual co-ordination of protection of the Baltic States region, said AM.