Border Fortification

In January 2024, Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian defence ministers approved the Baltic Defence Line initiative. It will strengthen the defence of eastern border of the Baltic countries and NATO. Closely coordinated construction of the Defence line will be separately funded by each participating country.  Baltic Defence Line will significantly enhance military defence infrastructure and capabilities of Baltic countries, preventing Russia from any potential swift military attacks. This initiative is in line with NATO’s defence plans.

On 5 March 2024, Cabinet of Ministers approved border fortification and counter-mobility plan for eastern border. Eastern Border Fortification and Counter-mobility Plan is part of the Baltic Defence Line initiative, which covers the whole length of border with Russia and Belarus. National Armed Forces intend to create defence force support outposts – defence posts with reinforced structures and fortification for troops with various obstacle lines, anti-tank trenches, ammunition and mine storages. 

According to defence plans, reinforcement of eastern border has restarted in March 2024, and total investment into strengthening of the defence on eastern border will reach 303 million euro over the next five years. 

To prevent enemy movement, Latvia is reconstructing the existing roads to make border more secure by adding anti-tank trenches, whereas border area drainage ditches are converted into anti-tank tranches. 

Obstacle lines of different types will be installed. For example, anti-tank trenches will be reinforced with concrete blocks and structures, such as the so-called dragon’s teeth and anti-tank mines. Obstacle lines will be adjusted to the terrain, making full use of natural obstacles such as swamps, forest patches and other natural obstructions. 

Border area will also be equipped with specially designated and safe storages for explosives, mines and engineering equipment that can be quickly dispatched to reinforce defence line. Latvia will also develop plans detailing how to prepare for immediate and effective closing of main transport routes, such as roads, railway lines and bridges, to prevent enemy from advancing.

As part of the continued reinforcement of the eastern border, the delivery of anti-mobility material to temporary sites has started, from where it is further deployed in the field.

The Ministry of Defence thanks the local authorities and appreciates their support in coordinating the sites. Further cooperation will be mutually assessed in the construction of a joint security surveillance system, for example by incorporating solutions that meet the requirements of the National Armed Forces into the video surveillance activities of local authorities.

The Ministry of Defence invites local companies to keep an eye on the Ministry of Defence website, where all forthcoming anti-mobility activities will be updated, including technical specifications for anti-mobility materials and the announcement of uponcoming procurements.