During a trade mission organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), Latvian defence and dual-use technology companies met leading German defence companies, industry organisations and a representative of the German Federal Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Members of the delegation, led by Latvian Minister for Economics Viktors Valainis, presented their solutions and discussed opportunities to join German companies’ supply chains, jointly develop technologies and expand production.
The programme focusing on defence and dual-use technologies began on 16 September with an event dedicated to cooperation between the Latvian and German defence industries, organised in partnership with the German Security and Defence Industry Association (BDSV).
“Industrial cooperation between Latvia and Germany is becoming increasingly close. In the first half of 2026, Latvia’s exports of goods to Germany grew by 10%, while exports of machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical equipment increased by EUR 34.3 million. This also represents the manufacturing base on which Latvia’s defence industry can grow. Our companies can supply electronic components, unmanned systems, military vehicles, metal structures and other solutions needed to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. The priority now is to involve Latvian companies more extensively in German and European supply chains, joint technology development and manufacturing,” Minister for Economics Viktors Valainis said.
Latvian business representatives met the leadership of BDSV, German defence companies and a representative of the German Federal Ministry of Defence to discuss industry priorities, upcoming procurements and opportunities for cooperation.
Direct talks with the German defence industry
During an in-depth industry session, Rheinmetall, HENSOLDT, Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems presented their expertise and opportunities for cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding defence production and supply chains, sensors, electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial system solutions, secure communications and autonomous systems.
Latvia’s defence technology ecosystem was presented to German partners by Artis Pabriks, Executive Director of the Military Technology, Drone and Robotics Association MilTech Latvia, and Jānis Atslēns, a representative of the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia.
“As Ambassador, security is one of my main priorities in relations between Latvia and Germany. We cooperate both bilaterally and as NATO and EU partners. Germany is one of the world’s leading military industry countries, and Latvia has excellent opportunities to develop closer cooperation with the German defence industry. We have highly qualified specialists and innovative companies capable of adapting to changing industry conditions. Trust and close professional contacts form the foundation of this type of long-term cooperation. The Embassy will continue to actively support Latvian companies by helping them establish new contacts, strengthen their presence in the German market and become part of the European defence industry’s supply chains,” said Ilze Rūse, Latvia’s Ambassador to Germany.
Focus on unmanned and autonomous systems
On 17 September, Latvian and German companies, industry organisations and public-sector representatives participated in a round-table discussion on unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-UAV technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, secure communications, electronics and the resilience of defence supply chains. The event was organised by LIAA in cooperation with Berlin’s economic development agency Berlin Partner and MilTech Latvia.
Participants were introduced to the Latvian and Berlin defence technology ecosystems, while Latvian and German companies presented their solutions. The discussions explored specific areas for cooperation, including component supplies, systems integration, joint product development, technology testing and manufacturing.
“Economic cooperation between Latvia and Germany already has a solid foundation, with more than 1,000 German-owned companies operating in Latvia. In the defence industry, Latvian companies must now demonstrate their ability to meet specific technical, quality and delivery requirements. In Berlin, they had an opportunity to discuss these matters with potential partners and determine what steps are necessary to qualify as suppliers. Following the mission, LIAA will continue working on the most promising cooperation opportunities, advancing them towards technology testing, supplier qualification and cooperation agreements,” said Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of LIAA’s Export and Innovation Services Department.
Berlin is strengthening its position on Europe’s defence and security technology map. The city is home to approximately 130 companies specialising in security and defence, as well as more than 400 companies whose technologies can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The Berlin Senate is also developing a dedicated defence technology ecosystem to forge closer links between companies, researchers, investors and public-sector customers.
The delegation also visited Andres Industries AG, a Berlin-based company that develops and manufactures thermal imaging and night-vision technologies for armed forces, police and other security institutions.
Latvian companies offer technologies and manufacturing capacity
The Latvian delegation of defence and dual-use technology companies included ALMIKO, Daugavpils Lokomotīvju Remonta Rūpnīca, Electrify, EMJ Metāls, HansaMatrix, Latvia Packing, VOLBURG, VORX and VR Cars.
The delegation’s offering encompasses printed circuit board and electronics manufacturing, metalworking and the production of armoured structures, military ammunition packaging, materials for large-format 3D printing, military vehicles and unmanned ground platforms. In Germany, Latvian companies are seeking systems integrators, customers, manufacturing partners and opportunities to participate in German and broader European defence projects.
For example, Electrify presented the Latvian-developed Rocky6 electric unmanned ground platform in Berlin. It is designed to transport cargo and specialised equipment across difficult terrain, perform reconnaissance, evacuate casualties, and integrate communications and counter-UAV systems. The platform has a payload capacity of up to 1,200 kilograms and an electric range of up to 150 kilometres.
“Latvian defence technology companies offer their German partners a powerful combination of flexibility, engineering expertise and solutions tailored to real operational needs. At DK NEJET, we develop software-defined defence technologies, ranging from high-speed interceptors and navigation in GPS-denied environments to drone-swarm coordination. We combine engineering development, manufacturing and operator training within a single ecosystem. Combined with Germany’s industrial capacity, this creates a solid foundation for the rapid deployment of field-tested and cost-effective European defence solutions,” said DK NEJET co-founder Olga Provotar, emphasising the importance of participating in LIAA’s trade mission to Germany.
Trade mission covers several technology sectors
The Latvian business trade mission to Germany, organised by LIAA, took place from 14 to 17 September. It brought together 53 Latvian companies and organisations representing information and communication technologies, financial technologies, life sciences, and defence and dual-use technologies. The programme was organised by sector, combining company visits and joint events with individual business meetings.
Germany is Latvia’s largest export market outside the Baltic states. Since 2020, Latvia’s exports of goods and services to Germany have grown by more than 40%, rising from EUR 1.47 billion to approximately EUR 2.1 billion in 2025. Last year, Latvia exported more to Germany alone than to the United States, France and China combined.
Growth has continued this year: in the first half of 2026, exports to Germany increased by 11%, while Latvia’s total exports grew by 6%. Germany is also Latvia’s largest market for service exports, which reached EUR 779 million in 2025. More than 1,000 German-owned companies operate in Latvia, with their combined investments in share capital exceeding EUR 800 million.
LIAA organises participation in international trade missions under the European Union co-financed programme for the development of innovative entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Latvian state budget. Companies may participate in trade missions either for a fee or by receiving support to cover eligible costs.
