Colonel Raivis Melnis, selected by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa for the position of Defence Minister, says his main priority would be improving the efficiency of Latvia’s defence sector based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to Latvian Television on Monday, Melnis said he fully understands the challenges ahead. He stated that he would approach the position with a professional mission to make the defence sector significantly more efficient and flexible, enabling the rapid integration of the latest technologies into national defence operations.
“This is what I have experienced in Ukraine, and this is what is driving the development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and enabling them to effectively resist Russian aggression,” Melnis said.
He added that he would seek to involve Ukrainian military specialists in the process to help train Latvia’s air defence personnel in operating anti-drone interception systems.
According to Melnis,
these systems could be integrated into mobile units and deployed along the entire border region.
As a second priority, Melnis identified the restructuring of Latvia’s military industry ecosystem and beginning its integration with the National Armed Forces of Latvia (NBS) in order to respond more effectively to existing threats and establish much stronger feedback mechanisms.
The colonel also noted that if, after his term ends, his expertise is still needed and the commander of the NBS believes he can continue contributing to the country, he could return to military service.
Melnis currently serves as a representative of Latvia’s Ministry of Defence in Ukraine and as Prime Minister Siliņa’s freelance adviser on military cooperation issues. He has served in the NBS since 1998 and has previously held positions including Head of the Operational Planning Department of the Infantry Brigade, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and Head of the Operational Planning Department of the NBS Joint Headquarters.
As previously reported,
Defence Minister Andris Sprūds announced his resignation on Sunday evening,
while at the same time Siliņa demanded his dismissal. The Prime Minister has already invited Melnis to assume the position of Defence Minister, and he has reportedly agreed. Siliņa believes the ministry should be led by a professional.
The Prime Minister made the decision following the drone incidents in Latgale, citing a loss of confidence in the minister and problems within the sector.
Sprūds stated that he was resigning while taking political responsibility and attempting to shield the military from being dragged into political conflicts. At the same time, an evaluation of the NBS response to the incidents continues, along with efforts to strengthen Latvia’s air defence capabilities. Monday is Sprūds’ final day in office as minister.
Meanwhile, The Progressives announced on Monday afternoon that it believes Siliņa is unable to responsibly lead the government. At the same time, the party said its future actions would be “measured” and that it would first invite the Prime Minister for talks. The Progressives expressed hope that the upcoming meeting with Siliņa would provide clarity regarding future actions and the prospects for the government’s continued work.
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