Latvian defence technology companies travelled to Berlin for a trade mission arranged by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), where they connected with top German defence firms, industry associations, and an official from the German Federal Ministry of Defence.
Latvian-German Industrial Cooperation and Export Growth
The defence and dual-use technology program opened on September 16 with a dedicated cooperation event organized in partnership with the German Security and Defence Industry Association (BDSV), according to LIAA. Minister Valainis noted that industrial ties between the two nations are becoming increasingly close, pointing to a 10% growth in Latvian goods exports to Germany during the first half of 2026. Exports of machinery, mechanical appliances, and electrical equipment increased by 34.3 million euros over the same period.
Local enterprises can supply electronic components, unmanned systems, military vehicles, and metal structures to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.
Direct Industry Engagements and Major German Contractors
Delegates participated in an in-depth industry session featuring presentations from Rheinmetall, HENSOLDT, Rohde & Schwarz, and Quantum Systems. Discussions centered on expanding defence production and supply chains, sensors, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aerial system (counter-UAV) solutions, secure communications, and autonomous systems.
Artis Pabriks, Executive Director of the Military Technology, Drone and Robotics Association MilTech Latvia, along with Jānis Atslēns, a representative of the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia, presented the domestic defence technology ecosystem to their German counterparts, as reported by LIAA. Ilze Rūse, Latvia’s Ambassador to Germany, stressed that long-term cooperation is based on trust and close professional contacts, affirming the embassy’s commitment to helping Latvian companies establish new contacts and gain a foothold in the German market.
Focus on Unmanned Systems and Supply Chain Resilience
A roundtable discussion held on September 17 addressed robotics, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-UAV technologies, secure communications, electronics, autonomous systems, and the overall resilience of defence supply chains. The session was organized by LIAA in collaboration with Berlin’s economic development agency Berlin Partner, and MilTech Latvia. Participants explored specific avenues for collaboration, including component supplies, systems integration, and joint product development.
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