The goal of the International Defense Production Association (SAPRA) is to make Latvia the center of the military industry in Europe, SAPRA board member Edgars Zandmanis said on Thursday at the opening event of the association.
He emphasized that the European Union (EU) has started talking about a common defense budget, many countries have increased their national defense budgets. Under these conditions, the photonics and optics industry has also become an important producer of military products.
“The goal of the association is to create a high-tech military production and research center in Latvia, on which to build a new defense industry center in Europe,” said Zandmanis.
Currently, the members of SAPRA are the Latvian-German joint venture, optical instrument manufacturer SIA “Baltic Photonics”, the German nanostructures and optical fiber manufacturing company “Harder Digital”, the Greek optical equipment manufacturer “Theon Sensors”, the Israeli optical device manufacturer “RP Optical Lab”, the Italian “Troya”, a manufacturer of aviation optical equipment.
Zandmanis informed that companies from Poland, Sweden, Bulgaria, the USA and Denmark, which are currently SAPRA candidates, have also shown interest in participating in the association’s work.
He added that “Harder Digital”, whose capital shares were purchased by “Theon Sensors” in September, is the owner of 70% of the capital shares in “Baltic Photonics”. The company “Baltic Photonics” has built 540 square meters of spacious laboratory space in Latvia during the year, investing three million euros. Currently, the design of a new 6,000-square-meter factory has begun, which will be the largest optical photonics equipment factory in Europe.
The factory in Daugavpils is planned to be built within two years, and it is planned to provide 150-200 new jobs, said Zandmanis. He informed that within two years, the amount of investments will reach 120 million euros, including 11 million euros will be invested in research.
Zandmanis emphasized that the factory will be able to provide all the needs of NATO in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries.
Also, “Baltic Photonics” has signed a cooperation agreement with Riga Technical University and negotiations are underway with the University of Latvia in order to attract Latvian students to the photonics company.
Military technology. Photo: Publicity image
Latvia Aims to Become Europe’s Military Hub
Now there’s a plan you don’t see every day: turning Latvia into the new military superpower of Europe. Quite ambitious, eh? Let’s dig in!
The International Defense Production Association, or SAPRA for short – which sounds like a new energy drink but is, in fact, a defense initiative – has declared its intent to make Latvia the beating heart of the military industry in Europe. Edgars Zandmanis, a board member, recently unveiled this grand ambition, and you know it must be serious. I mean, when do you hear phrases like “high-tech military production” and “Baltic countries” in the same breath without an impending war? Ah yes, it’s the era of defense budgets flying higher than a NATO fighter jet on a training mission!
Now, can we take a moment to talk about what’s happening with those defense budgets? The EU has started to whisper sweet nothings about a common defense budget, and many countries have decided to pump up their own. Suddenly, everyone is interested in military technology – which, in my eyes, is a bit like realizing that the gym is open 24/7 only after your sixth slice of birthday cake. But I digress!
According to our dear friend Zandmanis, Latvia is stepping up to the plate with plans to establish a research and production hub that would rival any military complex in Europe. We’re talking about creating a high-tech military facility right there in the Daugavpils – a name that sounds like a spell Harry Potter might cast to summon an army of unicorns. But in all seriousness, this is about optics and photonics. Fancy terms for some mind-boggling weaponry, if you ask me!
Membership within SAPRA is quite the who’s who of global optics: you’ve got the Latvian-German duo, SIA “Baltic Photonics,” alongside heavy-hitters like “Harder Digital” and “Theon Sensors” – sounds like a secret society of Avengers, no? Companies from across Europe and even some candidates from the USA and Denmark are lining up like they’re waiting for a concert ticket! You almost want to ask them, “What’s your favorite optical illusion?” to lighten the mood.
Now, brace yourself for the kicker: “Baltic Photonics” has recently splurged a cool three million euros on a lab that spans 540 square meters. And now they’re dreaming even bigger – a 6,000-square-meter factory that will apparently be the crème de la crème of optical photonics equipment manufacturing. Or, as I like to call it, the shiny new toy factory for NATO, poised to provide “all the needs of NATO in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries.” Who knew Latvia was the new hot spot for defense innovation?
And you thought the only job prospects in Latvia were in the tourism sector! The factory is set to create between 150 and 200 jobs, which is heartwarming. Meanwhile, there’s an investment plan that reaches a staggering 120 million euros over two years. That’s a lot of zeroes, folks! Also, let’s not forget the 11 million earmarked for research. I can only imagine the interesting lab experiments they’ll be conducting – “Will this material explode? Let’s find out!”
Finally, what’s a good initiative without collaboration? “Baltic Photonics” is teaming up with Riga Technical University to attract those sharp young minds. Who wouldn’t want to say they studied at a school that’s partnering with a military technology manufacturer? It could be the next coolest thing after water balloon fights! Students will have the chance to enter the thrilling world of photonics, just as long as they keep their heads low during group projects on “Experimental Explosives.”
The International Defense Production Association (SAPRA) aims to position Latvia as the premier hub of military industry across Europe, according to board member Edgars Zandmanis, who made the announcement during the association’s opening event on Thursday.
He highlighted the recent discussions within the European Union about establishing a unified defense budget, alongside the notable increases in national defense expenditures among several member states. These developments have elevated the photonics and optics sector to a key role in the manufacturing of advanced military equipment.
“Our association’s vision is to develop an advanced military production and research hub in Latvia, serving as a foundation for a new European defense industry center,” Zandmanis elaborated.
Currently, SAPRA encompasses several notable members, including SIA “Baltic Photonics,” a Latvian-German optical instruments manufacturer, and “Harder Digital,” a German company specializing in nanostructures and optical fiber technologies. Other notable members include the Greek firm “Theon Sensors,” the Israeli “RP Optical Lab,” and Italy’s “Troya,” known for producing aviation optical equipment.
Zandmanis disclosed that additional companies from Poland, Sweden, Bulgaria, the USA, and Denmark are currently candidates showing keen interest in joining SAPRA and contributing to its initiatives.
He noted that “Harder Digital,” which was acquired by “Theon Sensors” in September, owns 70% of the shares in “Baltic Photonics.” Over the past year, “Baltic Photonics” has successfully established an expansive 540-square-meter laboratory facility in Latvia, investing approximately three million euros into its setup. Plans for a new, expansive 6,000-square-meter factory – anticipated to become the largest optical photonics equipment manufacturing facility in Europe – are already underway.
The construction of the factory in Daugavpils is slated for completion within two years, with the creation of approximately 150-200 new job opportunities, as Zandmanis indicated. He further noted that total investments are projected to reach 120 million euros within this timeframe, with 11 million euros earmarked specifically for research and development.
Zandmanis emphasized that this factory will meet all of NATO’s needs in the Scandinavian and Baltic regions.
Additionally, “Baltic Photonics” has entered into a collaboration agreement with Riga Technical University, while ongoing negotiations with the University of Latvia aim to engage Latvian students in the burgeoning photonics sector.
Military technology. Photo: Publicity image
How does the collaboration between Baltic Photonics and educational institutions impact the development of the optical fiber industry in Europe?
Tructures and optical fibers. Other members include “Theon Sensors” from Greece, “RP Optical Lab” from Israel, and “Troya,” an Italian producer of aviation optical equipment. Additionally, companies from Poland, Sweden, Bulgaria, the USA, and Denmark are currently candidates seeking to join the association.
Zandmanis further disclosed that “Harder Digital” has recently acquired a majority stake in “Baltic Photonics,” providing a strong backing for the initiative. In the past year, “Baltic Photonics” has successfully built 540 square meters of laboratory space in Latvia, with an investment totaling three million euros. Now, the company is embarking on the design of a new facility that will span 6,000 square meters, positioning itself as the largest optical photonics equipment factory in Europe.
The planned factory in Daugavpils is expected to be constructed within the next two years, creating approximately 150 to 200 new jobs, according to Zandmanis. He highlighted that investments in the project could reach up to 120 million euros within that timeframe, including a substantial 11 million euros earmarked specifically for research and development.
Zandmanis stressed the factory’s potential to meet all NATO’s needs in the Scandinavian and Baltic regions. In addition to industrial development, “Baltic Photonics” is also fostering educational partnerships; it has signed a cooperation agreement with Riga Technical University and is in discussions with the University of Latvia to attract students to the industry.
This ambitious plan demonstrates Latvia’s commitment to becoming a key player in the growing military technology sector in Europe, with both local and international collaborations paving the way for future advancements in photonics and optics used in defense applications.
