Germany’s Dynamit Nobel Defence to build anti-tank mines for Latvia

German arms manufacturer Dynamit Nobel Defence plans to build a €50 million ($59 million) production facility for anti-tank mines in Latvia, the Latvian Defence Ministry announced on Thursday.

The arms company and the Latvian State Defence Corporation signed a letter of intent in Riga in the presence of Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds, a statement from his ministry noted.

The plant is set to begin operations in 2028 with mine production geared mainly for the Latvian army, the statement said.

Latvia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, sees Russia’s war against Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security. It, like the other Baltic nations of Estonia and Lithuania, has been keen to secure its eastern border with defensive structures and physical barriers against possible attacks.

Under the plans, mines would also be laid in an emergency.

Thursday’s announcement follows one last October, when Latvia said it had ordered a remotely controlled mine-laying system from the German defence contractor.