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Latvia signs contract with CSG for artillery and rockets

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-29 19:33 UTC → 2026-09-30 10:43 UTC · added removed

Latvia selects Czech Morana howitzers over Swedish Archer signs contract with CSG for artillery and rockets

Latvia is re-evaluating has moved forward with its procurement of 155mm caliber artillery systems. Initially, the Latvian Defense Minister, Raivis Melnis, criticized procurement by signing a previous administration’s decision to pursue contract with the Swedish ‘Archer’ CSG industrial group to supply both artillery system, citing high costs and long delivery timelines that could delay military development plans. Following concerns regarding delays in receiving a final proposal from Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors, the Latvian Ministry rocket systems. The project, valued at hundreds of millions of euros, will be led by Tatra Defence began investigating alternative options. Negotiations reached an advanced stage with Systems, a member of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), CSG group. The agreement establishes a multi-national collaboration between the holding company for Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army, regarding Czech, Slovak, and Latvian defense industries. It includes the supply delivery of land Morana self-propelled howitzers—a joint Czech-Slovak product—alongside various rocket systems. The Latvian government has now officially selected This follows Latvia’s decision to select the Czech Morana 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system over the Swedish Archer system. This decision reverses a June 2025 non-binding letter of intent for 18 Archer units. Officials determined the Morana offer was more advantageous due to favorable superior pricing, faster delivery timelines, and operational equivalence. Additionally, A central component of the Morana proposal includes provisions for Latvian industrial participation, involving deal is the localization of production. To bolster domestic defense industry in the program. The Morana system features a 41.5 kilometer range, carries 45 rounds, and utilizes an automated loading system capable capabilities, parts of firing six rounds within the first minute of operation. manufacturing, assembly, service, and long-term support are planned to be moved to Latvia. This procurement is supported by Latvia’s 2026 fulfills previous objectives to involve the domestic defense budget, which is set at approximately €2.16 billion, or 4.91% of GDP. To facilitate these acquisitions, industry in the Latvian government has approved a reallocation of €43,635,000 from program. Funding for the State Defense and Security Fund project is expected to be provided through the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. The Latvian Ministry of Defence. A total of €422.25 million is required to fund various artillery systems between 2026 and 2029. This funding will cover Defense noted that the Czech Morana howitzers selection process prioritized operational capabilities, costs, delivery timelines, and an undisclosed rocket artillery project currently under negotiation. This rocket project is being developed alongside an existing contract with the US government for six Lockheed Martin HIMARS units, which are expected to arrive starting in 2027. integration of local industry.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-30 10:43 UTC Latvia signs contract with CSG for artillery and rockets
  2. 2026-09-29 19:33 UTC Latvia selects Czech Morana howitzers over Swedish Archer
  3. 2026-09-25 03:03 UTC Latvia selects Czech Morana howitzers over Swedish Archer
  4. 2026-09-17 20:27 UTC Latvian artillery procurement review

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