On October 23, a Danish Defense Industry seminar and business networking event took place in Riga, organized by the Danish Embassy in Latvia in cooperation with the Latvian and Danish Security and Defense Industry Federations, as well as the Ministries of Defense of both countries. On October 24, a Danish business delegation visited local companies Edge Autonomy and Belss.
Latvia and Denmark are reliable partners with shared goals of strengthening security in the region, particularly given the threats from Russia. The Danish battalion stationed in Ādaži is a key element of this cooperation. As the Danish Ambassador to Latvia, Morten Jespersen, emphasized, it is crucial to be ambitious and face common challenges together.
Meanwhile, the Danish Defense Attaché for the Baltic States, Visti Salomonsen, noted that climate change, geopolitical challenges, and the development of artificial intelligence are significant areas where Latvia and Denmark can closely collaborate. Both countries’ membership in NATO and the European Union provides a strong platform to foster cooperation.
During the event, representatives from the Ministries of Defense of Latvia and Denmark introduced their countries' procurement plans and requirements, highlighting that cooperation can lead to innovative solutions for the future. Particular attention was given to secure supply chains and cooperation opportunities in Latvia. The audience was introduced to the Latvian National Armed Forces development plan and defense budget priorities, presented by Uģis Norītis, Deputy State Secretary for Capability and Resource Planning at the Ministry of Defense.
Deputy Director of the Danish Defense and Security Industries Association, Morten Flindt, announced that a Danish Defense Industry strategy is currently being developed and is expected to be finalized by the end of this year. This document will be crucial for future development. Morten Flindt stressed that companies in both countries need to look beyond their domestic markets to compete successfully on the global stage. Leading Danish companies, including A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S, Odense Maritime Technology A/S, Dencrypt A/S, Bruhn Newtech A/S, Weibel Scientific A/S, Sky-Watch A/S, Military Equipment Denmark, ODU Denmark ApS, and Sh Group A/S, showcased their products and solutions.
Elīna Egle, Chair of the Board of FSDI Latvia, introduced the Danish delegation to DAIF Latvia, Latvian companies, and researchers, emphasizing the long-standing close cooperation and encouraging the use of Latvia's collaboration capabilities for joint technology development and testing. She also promised to inform federation members about Danish products and highlighted the intention to continue cooperation with the Danish association in EU and NATO consultative formats. Presentations from the Latvian side included companies like Steel PROFI, EMJ Metāls SIA, SIA Modul, Lightspace Technologies, and Brasa Defence Systems.
Latvian and Danish representatives agreed that defense cooperation is crucial not only for the security of both countries but also for the stability of the Baltic region. Discussions focused on creating secure supply chains and expanding cooperation opportunities in the coming years to support joint projects.
Additional Information
DAIF Latvia is the only organization representing the security and defense industries and research at both national and international levels. DAIF Latvia unites companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associated members—prominent foreign military manufacturers.
As part of the EU-funded project No. 5.1.1.2.i.0/3/24/A/CFLA/008 “Establishment of the Latvian Security and Defense Industry Cooperation Network,” DAIF Latvia currently comprises 32 companies and 6 higher education institutions. The aim of the cooperation network is to secure funding to enhance the international cooperation, research, and development investment volume in Latvia’s security and defense industries, education, and research institutions in line with national, EU, and NATO priorities for internal and external security.
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