Latvian army has been testing its new mine-laying capabilities

In February, the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) "successfully tested the Skorpion 2 remote mine-laying system in a range of conditions to improve anti-tank defence solutions and strengthen the country's deterrence capabilities," according to a release from the NBS.

Remote mine laying systems provide the ability to quickly create anti-tank minefields designed to hamper the movement of any invader crossing the border.

"Such capabilities allow for effective strengthening of the country's defence and increasing the survivability of units in combat conditions," said the NBS.

The development of remote-controlled mine-laying capabilities in Latvia is taking place gradually. The delivery of the first systems is planned for this year, which will allow for the commencement of practical unit training and the integration of this capability into the operational plans of the National Armed Forces.

The testing took place in accordance with a previously concluded 50 million euro contract for the purchase of remote mine laying systems signed by the Ministry of Defence and the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre with the German company Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH. Within the framework of this contract, not only the Skorpion 2 systems will be purchased, but also their ammunition - anti-tank mines and other equipment related to the systems. Some components will be made locally in Latvia, thus strengthening the security of supply and the ability of the armed forces to maintain these systems in the long term.

The testing of the mine-laying systems comes after Latvia – along with Estonia, Lithuania and Poland – exited the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling and production of anti-personnel mines at the end of 2025. However, it should be stressed that Skorpion 2 system was tested laying anti-tank rather than anti-personnel mines.