Title: The Baltic Defence Industry: United We Scale, Divided We Fail?
Publication type: Policy Review
Author: Roberts Kits
This study continues the discussion initiated in the LaSER policy review “Towards the Baltic Tiger: How to Strengthen Defence Cooperation Among the Baltic States?” on closer cooperation between the Baltic states in the field of defence, with a particular focus on the role of the defence industry. As defence spending increases across Europe and countries increasingly strengthen their industrial capabilities, the defence industry is becoming a key driver of both defence capabilities and economic development.
The study compares the development of the defence industries in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, analysing their competitiveness, development trends, and potential in the Baltic and European contexts. It also assesses the key challenges and opportunities that will shape the development of the region’s defence industry in the future.
The study offers practical recommendations for developing the defence industries of the Baltic states and strengthening regional cooperation. The aim of the report is to promote an evidence-based discussion on the development and competitiveness of the Baltic defence industry and its role in strengthening regional security and economic growth.