Image source: topwar.ru
The Baltic States cannot rely on other countries' air defense systems as a whole, so they are considering the option of purchasing their own anti-aircraft systems. Latvia and Estonia were the first to announce this, the corresponding message is posted on the website of the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
As stated by the head of the Latvian military department Artis Pabriks, it was decided to purchase air defense systems, as they say, in a fold, a protocol of intent was signed between Latvia and Estonia on June 30 at the NATO summit in Madrid. So far, no details have been reported on which complexes the Balts intend to purchase, there is also no data. While this is all at the level of intentions, it is possible that Lithuania will also want to invest in the purchase.
According to the Latvian Defense Ministry, the Baltic States have long been planning to create a unified defense system that also includes air defense systems. All this should help Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia "repel Russian aggression." The likely purchase of air defense systems should be a "reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine." The purchase will be handled by Estonia on behalf of the two countries.
Pabriks declared.
The decision on which air defense systems Estonia and Latvia will purchase is planned to be decided at the end of July. However, there is information that the choice may fall on the Norwegian NASAMS air defense systems, which Ukraine will soon receive. Exactly the same complexes are now deployed in Latvia, and Lithuania previously purchased them. At the same time, Tallinn previously stated that they were considering the option of purchasing American Patriot anti-aircraft systems.
