Rank #67 · Europe
Latvia has rapidly scaled defense spending to around 3.15% of GDP in 2025, among the highest in NATO, driven by its border with Russia and shared geopolitical exposure with Estonia and Lithuania. Conscription was reinstated in January 2024 after a decade hiatus. A HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system deal signed in 2023 and participation in the trilateral Baltic IRIS-T SLM air defense program represent Latvia's most significant capability leaps. Latvia hosts a Canadian-led NATO eFP battlegroup at Ādaži.
Latvia's 2025 defense budget is approximately €1.25 billion (~$1.3 billion), or roughly 3.15% of GDP. Riga committed to 3% by 2027 in 2023, ahead of the broader NATO discussion about raising the benchmark. The budget surge is driven by conscription reintroduction (January 2024) adding personnel costs, accelerated procurement, and NATO common funding contributions. Key investment items: HIMARS M270 MLRS procurement (US FMS, announced 2023), IRIS-T SLM in the trilateral Baltic deal, medium-range air defense radar upgrades, and ammunition stockpiling. Latvia participates in EU defense programs through EDIRPA and PESCO. The government has earmarked additional contingency funds for infrastructure hardening at Ādaži and Lielvārde bases to support NATO allied presence.
The Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) comprise the Land Forces, Air Force, Naval Forces, and National Guard (Zemessardze). Active strength is approximately 8,050 personnel, with conscription (reinstated January 2024) adding a pipeline of trained reservists. The Land Forces field three infantry brigades — the Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Kurzeme brigades — structured around mechanized and motorized infantry with CV90 IFVs and M113 APCs. The Air Force operates SAAB 340 maritime patrol aircraft and an aging rotary fleet; air combat is delegated to NATO Baltic Air Policing (currently Germany and Spain). The Canadian-led NATO eFP battlegroup (~1,800 allied troops) is stationed at Ādaži, reinforcing the resident 1st Brigade. Naval forces are limited to Mine Countermeasure Vessels and patrol craft.
Latvia has minimal indigenous defense production. Riga Aircraft Maintenance (RAM) provides MRO services for NATO aircraft operating through the region. Electronics and IT sectors provide some dual-use technology. Latvia is overwhelmingly dependent on imports: HIMARS from the US, IRIS-T SLM from Germany (Diehl), CV90 from Sweden, and ammunition from across the NATO industrial base. Latvia participates in NSPA cooperative procurement arrangements to achieve cost efficiency. The country benefits from NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) funding for infrastructure at Ādaži and Lielvārde. No meaningful arms export capability exists.
Latvia shares a 214-km border with Russia and a 172-km border with Belarus. With a 25% ethnic Russian minority (concentrated in Latgale, bordering Russia), Latvia faces hybrid warfare risks including information operations, radicalization, and potential staged incidents. Russian military exercises near the border (Zapad series) have historically been used to exercise offensive options against Baltic states. Latvia is a non-combat contributor to Ukraine: military equipment donations (including howitzers, ammunition, and anti-tank weapons), training support, and financial contributions. The Canadian-led eFP battlegroup provides a NATO tripwire force. Latvian airspace borders Belarusian airspace, an additional concern given Minsk's alignment with Moscow.
Latvia reinstated mandatory military service for men in January 2024 — the first Baltic state to do so after the post-Cold War suspension — with an 11-month service obligation. In June 2023 the US approved a HIMARS deal for Latvia (6 systems, valued at ~$219 million) under FMS. Deliveries began in 2025. Latvia joined Estonia and Lithuania in the trilateral IRIS-T SLM purchase, co-financed with Norway, in 2024. The Latvian parliament approved the highest-ever defense budget in December 2024 for FY2025. In February 2025 Latvia announced plans to permanently station a NATO brigade at Ādaži rather than rotating battalion-level eFP — aligning with Estonia and Lithuania's push for brigade-level forward defense.
Approximately $1.3 billion in 2025, or about 3.15% of GDP — well above the NATO 2% target. Latvia committed to 3% by 2027. Spending has more than doubled in three years following Russia's full-scale Ukraine invasion, driven by conscription reinstatement, HIMARS procurement, and Baltic air defense investments.
Yes. Latvia reinstated mandatory military service in January 2024, the first restoration of conscription among the Baltic states since the post-Soviet suspension. Men are required to complete an 11-month service period. The move aims to substantially expand the trained reserve pool available for national defense.
A Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup of approximately 1,800 allied troops is stationed at Ādaži Military Base. Latvia is pushing to upgrade this to a full permanent brigade of ~5,000 troops — a shift from the existing rotational model — to align with the alliance's forward defense posture.