The Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia (FSDI Latvia or DAIF Latvija in Latvian language) was established in the spring of 2013 and involves a wide range of economic sectors, leading universities, and research institutes that have been established at educational and research institutions.  FSDI Latvia is the only national organisation which represents companies in the security and defence sector, as well as universities. FSDI Latvia have been chosen as a partner by Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.  FSDI Latvia actively partners with government institutions, international organisations, as well as business organisations from various sectors in Latvia and abroad – those which see new prospects in the security and defence sector.

Services for members and partners:

Factors which influence Latvia’s security and defence industries

Industries in Latvia which offer services or manufacture products for security and defence needs represent the broadest range of sectors, beginning with food manufacturers and ending with designers of software used for surveillance.  The industries have stable orders and offer products in accordance with the long-term plans of national and international institutions. Latvia’s Parliament approved investment in defence from 2.2% in 2024 up to 3% from GDP by 2027. It also speaks to the involvement of the Defence Ministry in economic development in Latvia through military procurements.  It is specifically in this area that 20% of the financing of the National Armed Forces is to be spent.
A factor which greatly influences the development of these industries is the general attitude toward security issues at the political level and among the public at large.  We focus attention on security issues during emergency situations when a “fire” has to be extinguished.  FSDI Latvia already proves in practical terms that investments in security are not just expenditures; they benefit the quality of life for residents in terms of manufactured products, jobs, tax revenues, future products for export, as well as scientific discoveries.
FSDI Latvia members deliver products to armies in various countries.  Researchers at the largest univaresities and legacy research institutions of Latvia are involved in international research projects.  FSDI Latvia monitors Europe’s Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as the developmental plans of NATO member states and partner countries.  We are ready to be deeply involved in the consultative structures and projects of the DEFIS, European Defence Agency and NATO.  At the international level, we are interested in timely information about the plans of international organisations or countries, also seeking partners for specific projects.

Prospects in the future

Latvia, Europe, NATO member states and NATO partner countries all hope that greater attention will be devoted to security issues when it comes to national budgets, because there has been bitter experience with emergency situations such as social upheaval, natural disasters and cyber-attacks.  The sector will operate in accordance with its strategic plans and be focused on the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, not least in terms of strengthening defence industries in Europe.  Businesses in Latvia will become increasingly involved in the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG), sowing seeds for future projects and commissions. We can plan a stable and gradual expansion of security and defence industries.

Taking into account European Defence Policy, Action Plan and European Defence Fund financing the new stage of development will be reached to strengthen defence industries and research. FSDI Latvia will work to improve policy and the fund regulation to implement international projects and partnerships to invest Latvia's business and science capabilities in European security.

Future developments

The issue of security involves not just military and interior affairs needs alone.  Many products have dual-use potential in the civil and military sphere.  This includes electronics, space studies, civil aviation and maritime studies.  There are extensive opportunities to transfer products from defence to civil use, and support for defence studies in the civil sector can support civil defence, crisis management, cyber-security, the Border Guard and monitoring of the sea.
Priorities in the global arena involve electronics, mechatronics, robotics, cyber-security and environmental protection.  There is increasing demand for many different capabilities in terms of military needs.  Studies in Latvia involve research institutions and companies in all of the aforementioned sectors, but it has to be said that EU and NATO member states and partner countries which specialise in these areas have already made time and financial investments, thus achieving more significant achievements in accordance with European policy documents.  Latvia must develop scientific and business co-operation and the more efficient use of resources.  This is possible by supporting clusters, specialisations and a dynamic approach toward civil-military synergies.  Analysis of the economic structure, historical traditions and currently available skills in Latvia allows us to forecast good prospects in an area that is becoming of expanding important areas such as equipment which can identify and maintain life cycles.  This is necessary on land, in the air, in the sea, in space, and in the cyber-world.
As a country that is on the border of the EU and a maritime country, Latvia must handle issues related to border guarding, observation of the sea, civil defence and crisis management.  This involves many technological, industrial, conceptual and operational links in the defence sector.
Businesspeople and researchers in Latvia are joining together to ensure that companies and universities can increasingly make offers related to the security and defence needs of the EU and NATO, as well as the humanitarian aid programmes of the United Nations.  We will work with partner organisations in Europe, ensuring pragmatic dialogue with those who are responsible for security and defence policies here in Latvia, as well as at the international level.

 

Contacts:

Address: Republikas laukums 2-906, Riga, LV 1010, Latvia

Phone/ Fax: +371 67619226

E-mail: info(att)federacija.lv