Latvia will begin receiving its first IRIS-T medium-range air defense systems, worth millions of euros, in the latter half of this year, as announced by Defense Minister Andris Sprūds via Twitter. The IRIS-T system not only offers medium-range air defense capabilities but also ensures high accuracy against small and low-flying targets such as drones and missiles. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's defense capabilities amid changing geopolitical conditions.

The delivery period for the IRIS-T systems is set from 2026 to 2029, as Latvia collaborates with Estonia to invest a total of one billion euros in modern layered air defense. Minister Sprūds emphasized that these investments will significantly strengthen regional security. This initiative shows Latvia’s commitment to enhancing its defense posture in response to ongoing security challenges.

From 2023 to 2027, Latvia has pledged to invest an additional 200 million euros annually in enhancing its air defense capabilities, totaling one billion euros over five years. This investment aims to increase the country's defense capabilities while maintaining a consistent Euro-Atlantic foreign policy direction, thus reinforcing Latvia's security in a volatile geopolitical landscape.