NBS commander predicts Latvia will need to decide on purchase of high-power combat vehicles

In seven years Latvia will need to make a decision to purchase high-power combat vehicles for the needs of the country’s armed forces, said the commander of Latvian National Armed Forces Leonīds Kalniņš.
When Latvia decided to purchase small vehicles for CVR (T) [Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)] from Britain, it was approximately ten years ago. The developments we can see on the global stage require new means and new approaches, which require heavier armaments.
Looking at ways Latvia establishes its defence system on land, NBS have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to increase the power.
«Higher mobility is not the point, as CVR(T) vehicles are already very mobile. This is is more about higher power and more capabilities related to various technologies CVR(T) do not possess at the moment,» added Kalniņš.
The commander of Latvian armed forces said in seven years’ time the country will need to make a decision about future platforms – battle vehicles for infantry forces. These battle vehicles should be a component of all ground forces. This includes five brigades, the National Guard included.
«This is specifically about battle vehicles. We’re not talking about tanks right now. I would like to distance from the people who say Latvia will never have tanks. We don’t know what our tactical ability could be in five years from now.
For example, seven years ago we never expected to have such an expensive anti-air defence system, which is what we discussed today,» stressed the commander.
Kalniņš said previously there were no discussions of anti-ship missile systems. Now, however, they are on the finish line with supplies of these arms. «This is why I do not exclude the possibility of us having to discuss the topic of tanks in three years from now, because only time will tell how the operational environment involving the conventional war could develop,» stressed Kalniņš.
Also read: Putin visits Mariupol; Kremlin calls the accusations of ICC «unacceptable»