Russia repeatedly plans missile tests in the exclusive economic zone of Latvia

Russia's Central Air Traffic Management Centre has informed the Latvian Civil Aviation Agency that the Russian Naval Force has reserved air space in the exclusive economic zone of Latvia over the Baltic Sea between April 17 and 19 and plans to carry out missile tests on April 19 from 11:00 until 11:00 p.m.

Russia has asked the Latvian Civil Aviation Agency to close its air space at an altitude of 20 kilometres in an area roughly 40 kilometres off the Latvian coast for the planned missile tests during the above time span.

The Latvian Ministry of Defence states that such exercises close to the territorial waters of Latvia are provocative and raises concern about Russia`s ability to guarantee security. As the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet reported today, late on Thursday the  Russian military helicopter “Ka-29” with two pilots on board crashed in the Baltic Sea.

The National Armed Forces of Latvia will be monitoring the missile training and further active surveillance of national borders.

As reported before, the Russian Naval Force conducted reserved air space in the exclusive economic zone of Latvia over the Baltic Sea on April 4 until 6 to conduct missile tests.

Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Phone: (+371) 67335085
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv