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​Latvia Probably Strengthens Ukraine’s Defenses with the MANTIS Systems in a New Package

The MANTIS (NBS) system / open source
The MANTIS (NBS) system / open source

Latvia bolsters Ukraine’s defenses with new air defense systems and drones

On April 30, Latvia made public its decision to send a fresh set of military aid to Ukraine, including reconnaissance drones and short-range surface-to-air weapons.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina shared this update on Twitter, stating, “The government has just approved the transfer of the NBS air defense systems, tactical unmanned surveillance systems and other essential technical equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This will help improve both Ukraine’s air defense and reconnaissance capabilities.”

Read more: ​German MANTIS AA Guns will Protect Skies Over Ukrainian Repair Bases, But There's an Issue

Evika Silina highlighted Latvia’s ongoing commitment, dedicating approximately 0.25% of its GDP annually to supporting Ukraine.

The MANTIS system, previously called NBS C-RAM (counter-rocket, artillery and mortar), is a short-range air defense system specifically created to safeguard the forward-operating bases of the German Army in Afghanistan. Developed by Rheinmetall Air Defense, this 35 mm fully automated air defense system is tailored for the German Bundeswehr. Its primary function is to detect, track and engage incoming projectiles within close proximity to the target base.

German Bundeswehr deploys the MANTIS system in Mali, February 2021 Defense Express Latvia Probably Strengthens Ukraine’s Defenses with the MANTIS Systems in a New Package
German Bundeswehr deploys the MANTIS system in Mali, February 2021 / Photo credit: Uwe Weber, Bundeswehr
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