Latvia signed a trilateral agreement with Slovakia and Czech company Tatra Defence Systems for Morana artillery and rocket systems. Part of production and assembly is to move to Latvia, with EU SAFE financing planned. First deliveries are scheduled for 2027 following Latvia’s September decision to choose Morana after earlier steps toward Sweden’s Archer.
Latvia signed a trilateral agreement with Slovakia and Czech defense company Tatra Defence Systems on 30 September to acquire Morana artillery for its armed forces. The agreement covers 155 mm self-propelled howitzers and rocket artillery systems. It follows Latvia’s decision earlier in September to select Morana. Tatra Defence Systems is part of the Czech industrial group Czechoslovak Group.[1], [2]
The industrial cooperation requires gradual localization of production in Latvia. Some equipment is to be manufactured and assembled there with Czech and Slovak support. Latvia’s defense ministry expects a shared Tatra vehicle platform to ease logistics, maintenance and training. Financing is planned through the European Union’s Security Action for Europe instrument, known as SAFE, which supports defense investment and joint procurement.[1]
Latvia’s cabinet selected Morana on 15 September after assessing costs, delivery schedules, capabilities and local industrial participation. The choice followed earlier steps toward Sweden’s Archer system: the two countries had signed a commitment in June 2025 to reach an agreement for 18 Archer systems. Latvia’s ministry plans to receive its first Moranas in 2027. The new agreement does not disclose the number of Morana systems or the contract’s precise value.[1]
