Carleton University has published a new analytical article by LaSER researcher Roberts Kits, “Strengthening Security of Supply through Defence Industrial Cooperation: The 3+3 Format,” which examines how defence industrial cooperation can strengthen security in the Baltic region and enhance NATO’s deterrence capabilities.
The article argues that credible deterrence depends not only on military capabilities but also on resilient defence supply chains. While NATO has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Baltic states, pre-positioned equipment alone would not be sufficient in the event of a prolonged conflict. Developing local defence industrial capacity and strengthening cooperation between the Baltic states and Allied countries are therefore becoming increasingly important.
Particular attention is given to the 3+3 cooperation format, which brings together the three Baltic states and NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence framework nations—Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The article argues that this format has the potential to evolve beyond political dialogue into a platform for defence industrial cooperation, coordinated investment, and the development of more resilient regional supply chains.
The article also highlights practical examples of defence industrial cooperation, including Rheinmetall’s investments in Latvia and Lithuania, as well as partnerships between Canadian and Latvian defence companies. Roberts Kits concludes that, despite their relatively small markets, the Baltic states offer a flexible and innovation-driven environment for developing new defence technologies while strengthening NATO’s collective defence capabilities.
The full article, “Strengthening Security of Supply through Defence Industrial Cooperation: The 3+3 Format,” is available here.
Foto: Carleton University