Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis on Monday, February 12 will sign a €108 million contract to buy "Spike" anti-tank missiles from Israeli manufacturer Rafael

Bergmanis and Executive Directors of EuroSpike Guenter Lauer and Arie Lapidot are to sign the agreement on the purchase at the Ministry of Defense.

Speaking on LTV ahead of the signing, Bergmanis said "I think this is a very significant day, as anti-tank capability was one of the elements that was very necessary."

Israeli company Rafael is the manufacturer of the system, but the purchase is being made via its joint venture company EuroSpike.

"The development of anti-tank capability is one of the priorities for defense industry purchases and the anti-tank missile system "Spike" has been recognized as the most appropriate one meeting operational requirements of the National Armed Forces. The newly acquired Spike missile system, which will complement the existing stockpile of this armament, will significantly strengthen the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces and the National Guard," said a statement by the Ministry.

The Spike systems will be paired with the CVR(T) fighting vehicles acquired from the United Kingdom to provide a highly mobile and flexible anti-tank capability.

Spike is used by 28 national armies, including the Lithuanian, Polish, Finnish and German armed forces.

It is planned that Latvia's equipment will be delivered gradually between now and 2023.

According to manufacturer information, more than 23,000 Spike systems have been purchased worldwide.