Construction of Rheinmetall ammunition factory begins in Lithuania

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On 4 November 2025, Rheinmetall and Lithuanian authorities broke ground on a new 155 mm artillery-ammunition manufacturing plant in Baisogala, operated by their joint venture "Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva".

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The facility - the largest defence-industry investment in Lithuania’s history - will cost up to €260–300 million and is expected to create around 150 new employment positions.

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Once operational (targeted for late 2026 / early 2027), the plant will produce tens of thousands of 155 mm artillery shells annually, strengthening both Lithuania’s and NATO’s ammunition supply on the alliance’s eastern flank.

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Latvia, Spain and Austria sign ASCOD cooperation agreement at Ādaži

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On 27 November 2025, Latvia hosted the first ASCOD User Group meeting at the Ādaži military base, where Latvia, Spain and Austria signed a letter of intent to deepen cooperation and integration in the ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle programme.

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The meeting included a demonstration of the Latvian-configured ASCOD "Hunter", linked to Latvia’s plan to procure 84 vehicles for its Mechanised Infantry Brigade.

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The first units are expected to be delivered in 2027.

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Estonia's newest long-range radar station now online

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On 26 November 2025, Estonian Air Force and its partners declared operational a new ~€30 million long-range air-surveillance radar complex in Kalina, Ida-Viru County.

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The radar - using French technology and part of the GM 400a radar programme - is located atop a spoil heap and will serve for about 30 years, giving Estonia and its allies a detection range of over 500 km.

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Integrated into the NATO radar network, the new station notably improves monitoring of northeast airspace.

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Belgium invests €50 million in Origin Robotics’ "Blaze" counter-drone system

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On 21 November 2025, Belgium announced it will acquire Latvia’s "Blaze" counter-drone interceptor systems from Origin Robotics as part of a €50 million upgrade to its air defence after suspicious drone activity near a Belgian Air Force base.

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The "Blaze" system uses air-defence radar data and AI-based targeting to neutralise hostile drones with a controlled proximity blast, and includes safety features for abort and self-destruct functions.

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Estonia deepens defence ties with South Korea through Hanwha Defence K9 howitzers and local production plans

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On 24–25 November 2025, Estonia invited South Korea’s Hanwha Defence — supplier of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer — to establish a local production and maintenance hub, aiming to develop domestic capacity for maintenance, spare parts and potentially ammunition manufacturing.

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At the same time, six new K9 Thunder systems arrived in Estonia as part of a 36-unit, €120 million procurement. The howitzers will be adapted by a local company for Estonian climatic and operational conditions before entering service.

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Together, these steps strengthen Estonia’s long-range artillery capabilities and advance its goal of building a more robust national defence-industry base.

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Ukraine receives final batch of Latvian-made Patria 6x6 vehicles

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On 6 November 2025, Ukraine received 21 Latvian-made "Patria" 6x6 armoured vehicles at the Ādaži military base, completing Latvia’s commitment to donate a total of 42 units.

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The final batch is equipped with 12.7 mm NATO-calibre machine guns, ammunition, spare parts and mobile repair facilities, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s front-line mobility, protection and ability to maintain vehicles near the battlefield.

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Defending Baltics 2025 conference strengthens regional security cooperation

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From 17th till 18th of November 2025, the high-level international conference "Defending Baltics 2025" brought together military leaders, policymakers, analysts and security experts at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania to translate Ukraine’s frontline experience into practical defence insights for the Baltic region.

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The event focused on countering hybrid threats, strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank and accelerating joint resilience among allied nations.

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The largest indoor drone training center in the Baltics opens in Riga

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On 8 November 2025, "Drone House", the largest indoor drone training centre in the Baltics, was opened in Riga on the "Latvijas Finieris" premises in Sarkandaugava.

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The facility provides several thousand square metres of indoor space and a two-hectare outdoor area for drone training, testing, and innovation.

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It will be used to train defence and security personnel, engineers, students and children, fostering drone technology development, education, and Latvia’s growing role as a regional drone leader.

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