A contract for the purchase of C-5 anti-tank mines for Latvia worth 7 million euros has been signed in Spain.
On Friday, during the visit of Defense Minister Andris Spruds to the "Rheinmetall Expal Munitions" facility in Spain, a contract was signed for the purchase of C-5 anti-tank mines to strengthen Latvia's defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defense reported.
The C-5 anti-tank mines are equipped with a powerful explosive charge that effectively hinders the advancement of armored vehicles and serve as an important element for deterring the enemy.
The Minister of Defense emphasized that this contract and the subsequent cooperation with the Spanish defense industry will significantly enhance Latvia's defense capabilities and provide additional security guarantees. The anti-tank mines will greatly increase the National Armed Forces' ability to restrict the enemy's mobility on the battlefield.
On Thursday, Spruds also met with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles Fernández to discuss cooperation in the field of security and defense.
During the meeting, the involvement of partners in the procurement of infantry fighting vehicles "Ascod" "Hunter" specifically developed for Latvia using the European Defense Enhancement Mechanism SAFE was discussed. The expansion of the presence of the Spanish armed forces in Latvia, opportunities for further cooperation within the framework of joint procurements, and the interaction of the defense industries of the two countries were also discussed.
The minister also visited the "GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas" facility, where he familiarized himself with the production process of the "Hunter" combat vehicles.
As reported, in January of this year, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the Spanish company "GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas" for the supply of 42 "Hunter" infantry fighting vehicles, and in June, an additional agreement was concluded for the supply of another 42 vehicles.
Spain is among the 13 countries whose military personnel are serving in Latvia as part of the NATO multinational brigade. In June 2022, the Spanish surface-to-air missile system "Nasams" was deployed at the National Armed Forces airbase in Lielvarde.
