Latvia has started building anti-tank defenses along its border with Russia, according to official statements from the Latvian Ministry of Defense. The construction is part of the Baltic Defense Line, a joint project with Estonia and Lithuania to strengthen the region's eastern frontier.
The barriers are being erected on land previously expropriated for national defense purposes, including areas where private property was located. The Latvian government has emphasized that the measures are purely defensive and aimed at deterring potential aggression.
Work began in early 2026, with the first phase focusing on key strategic points along the border. The Baltic Defense Line includes anti-tank ditches, concrete obstacles, and other fortifications designed to slow any potential military advance.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the project is a response to the ongoing security situation in the region and is being carried out in close coordination with NATO allies. The total cost and timeline for completion have not been fully disclosed.
