Latvia To Transfer All of its Stingers to Ukraine
Latvia’s Defense Minister Ināra Mūrniece has confirmed that the Baltic state’s entire remaining stock of Stinger man portable air defense systems would be transferred to Ukraine as quickly as possible. The news came following a meeting of Ukraine’s allies, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, at the Ramštein air base on 21 February.
The Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia have long been amongst Ukraine’s staunchest supporters being some of the earliest and most generous donors of weapons and equipment.
“Latvia responded to Ukraine’s request for the supply of air defense systems and decided to transfer to Ukraine all the Stinger MANPADS that we still have,” Mūrniece said, “we will do our best to deliver them to Ukraine as quickly as possible.” Latvia also signalled that its training of Ukrainian personnel would also increase.
Stinger has proven itself a highly capable MANPADS, with thousands donated by the United States and other countries but the US has been unable to rapidly increase production of the missile system.
Latvia has supplied military aid worth approximately EUR 370,000,000 ($410,570,500). This has already included an earlier transfer of the US-manufactured Stinger. Back in January, following a visit to Ukraine, Mūrniece announced more Stingers as well as small arms and UAVs.
In total Latvia’s military, civilian and economic aid to Ukraine exceeded 1% of the country’s GDP. “We see that during the year the entire Western world, the European Union (EU), NATO, has come together to support Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, “we will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary.”
During the same meeting the US announced training of Ukrainian troops on the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. “The M1 tank, when it is delivered, will make a difference,” said General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff. Germany and Poland also unveiled plans to establish a repair hub for tanks in Poland.