Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis says Latvia may need its own missiles amid Russian threat

Defence Minister Raivis Melnis told a radio programme that Latvia will soon have to discuss acquiring its own long‑range ballistic and cruise missiles. He said the war in Ukraine has shown how vital effective missile defence is and that Latvia must decide whether to join one of two European programmes developing next‑generation missile systems or to build the capability independently. The minister added that any decision will be taken together with Latvia’s allies.

Melnis also reported that the Defence Ministry has not detected any concrete signs of attacks on Latvian critical‑infrastructure sites such as airports or railways. While Lithuania has warned that Russia may consider using Ukrainian‑made drones to strike Baltic infrastructure, Latvia’s security services are monitoring the situation and have plans and training in place to protect key assets if needed.