Latvia's $331 Million Plan to Strengthen Border Security with Russia And Belarus
Defense News ,Latvia :- Latvia recently approved a program costing 303 million euros (equivalent to $331 million) to enhance the security of its borders. This decision was prompted by concerns about potential military conflicts in the region.
The program, known as the Eastern Border Fortification Counter-Mobility Plan, aligns with the Baltic Defence Line initiative introduced in January. The aim is to safeguard member states from any illegal actions by Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly in the context of a potential victory in Ukraine.
The plan involves reinforcing the entire length of Latvia's border with Russia and Belarus. Defense force support outposts, anti-tank trenches, obstacle lines, and tactical equipment storages will be strategically placed along the border.
Construction is set to begin in March and will span five years. The outposts will feature strengthened structures to enhance troop capabilities. Roads and ditches near these sites will be modified to increase the number of trenches and hinder enemy mobility.
Various obstacle lines, including anti-tank mines and pyramidal fortifications known as "dragon's teeth," will be placed along the border. These lines will be adapted to the natural terrain, incorporating features like forest patches, swamps, and other landscapes for increased effectiveness.
Planned safe storages will house explosives, mines, and engineering systems to provide rapid support for warfighters stationed at the border. Additionally, projects will be developed to enable swift shutdowns of main transport routes, bridges, and railways in the event of an attack.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds emphasized the importance of establishing the Baltic Defence Line to defend NATO's Eastern flank and restrict the freedom of movement for adversaries. He highlighted the need for the Alliance to be well-prepared for defense plans, strengthen air and missile defense, and allocate more resources to defense ahead of the historic NATO Summit in Washington.
