Latvia’s Ministry of Defence signed a trilateral agreement with the Slovak government and Czech company Tatra Defence Systems on September 30 to acquire 155 mm Morana artillery systems for the Latvian National Armed Forces.
The agreement also covers rocket artillery systems, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said using a common Tatra vehicle platform would support logistics, maintenance, training and long-term life-cycle support. The agreement envisages cooperation between Latvian, Czech and Slovak defense industries, with financing planned through the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument.
Production is expected to be gradually localized in Latvia, with some equipment to be manufactured and assembled domestically with support from Czech and Slovak companies.
Latvian Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said the project aims to develop domestic production, servicing and technological capabilities alongside the acquisition of military equipment. Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said Slovak industry would supply key technological components.
The agreement follows Latvia’s September 15 decision to select the Czech-made Morana wheeled artillery system after assessing costs, delivery schedules, operational capabilities and local industrial participation.
LSM reported, citing the ministry, that the first systems are scheduled to arrive in 2027. The report did not specify the number of Morana systems or the contract’s value.
Latvijas Aizsardzības ministrija, Slovākijas valdība un Čehijas aizsardzības rūpniecības uzņēmums “TATRA DEFENCE SYSTEMS” šodien parakstīja trīspusēju līgumu par 155 mm artilērijas sistēmu #Morana piegādi @Latvijas_armija.
Izmantojot ES “SAFE” instrumenta finansējumu, šis… pic.twitter.com/qsziKNncnb
— Aizsardzības ministrija 🇱🇻 (@AizsardzibasMin) September 30, 2026