Military expert: Baltic Defence Line’s creation is the right step, but the project won’t be cheap

The commitment of Baltic States to creating a Baltic Defence Line is a very correct step, but this project won’t be cheap, admits former Commander of Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) Raimonds Graube.
The commitment to creating a Baltic Defence Line is a very correct and praise-worthy step. This project will not be cheap, but it will help significantly halt the possible enemy’s [Russia] invasion in Latvia, said Graube.
Although there have been vivid examples in history of countries creating fortified fortification lines, such as the Maginot Line in France, Graube drew attention to the fact that the Baltic Defence Line is not comparable to a line of this level.
“In the case of Baltic States this is about counter-mobility measures and the way to organise defence in the best possible way. How this defence line is formed depends on many factors. Nature is very different here and in Estonia, so the bunker defence systems will differ in different locations,” said Graube.

According to him, the to create this defence line, it is necessary to do a very deep study, because creation of various engineering structures will require additional research.

“Reinforced concrete pillboxes, machine guns encampments or places prepared for artillery systems – all this is a complex matter. It depends on specific sections of the border. Of course, no one would think to create engineering structures in the middle of a forest or a bog to halt the advance of armoured units,” stressed Graube, adding that it would take years to complete these structures.
The Ministry of Defence and NBS report that there is currently no military or international justification to leave the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. Commenting on this, Graube said in the context of the Ottawa Treaty the most important factor is pushing away the emotional portion, considering that anti-personnel mines do play an important role in modern-day fighting.
Despite the fact that Graube personally is in favour of leaving the treaty, he also trusts the opinions of NBS professionals. Graube also reminds that nowadays there are more controllable arms systems that help reduce risks for civilians.
Additionally, in the context of the treaty it is highly important for Latvia to take into account opinions of its allies, as the other two Baltic States are sceptical about the use of anti-personnel mines on their territory. “I don’t think our allies in Estonia and Lithuania understand the situation worse than us. If they don’t consider this solution as realistic, then we have to respect our allies,” adds Graube.
In order to effectively halt the enemy, it is important to mutually coordinate efforts with Lithuania and Estonia. Last week Baltic Ministers of Defence signed an agreement on the creation of the Baltic Defence Line. It is intended to significantly boost the country’s defensive capabilities and NATO’s eastern border.
Also read: Latvian National Armed Forces against country abandoning Ottawa Treaty
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