Israel and Latvia Deepen Defense Cooperation: Latvian Minister of Defense Meets Senior Israeli MOD Officials, Views Israeli Defense-Tech Solutions

Latvia's Minister of Defense, Raivis Melnis, visited Israel this week and met with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram.

During the meetings, the parties discussed advancing defense cooperation between Israel and Latvia, strengthening ties between the two countries' defense establishments and defense industries, and the regional security challenges both nations face, with an emphasis on air defense solutions.

In addition, the Latvian Minister toured Israeli defense industries, where he was introduced to advanced Israeli solutions, including counter-drone systems, and observed an operational demonstration. The tour reviewed the capabilities of Israel's defense industry and its defense research and development fields, and explored opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

Also taking part in the visit were the Head of the Political-Military Bureau, Itamar Graff; Head of the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, and Head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold