Today, the government supported the decision to allow the purchase of three medium-class helicopters to strengthen the capabilities of the State Border Guard. The planned costs will be covered within the framework of the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument.
According to the SAFE conditions, the conclusion of the contract for the purchase of the helicopters is planned by May 30, 2026, while their delivery would take place in 2028 and 2029.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa: “Latvia's security is not just words – it is concrete and timely actions. The decision on the purchase of helicopters is a real step in strengthening our border and the entire internal security system. In the current situation, we cannot afford to wait – we must be ready to react immediately. The new helicopters will give the State Border Guard additional capabilities to guard the border, save human lives, and provide support to the National Armed Forces. My priority is Latvia's security, and this investment confirms it.”
Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis: “Strengthening the capacity of the internal affairs sector with three new helicopters is a particularly significant step for the security of every resident. The helicopters to be purchased will be appropriately equipped so that, alongside ensuring the guarding of the national border, they can be used for search and rescue operations, extinguishing forest fires, emergency medical transportation/evacuation, and other tasks. Likewise, after their delivery, these helicopters can be used for the support of the National Armed Forces by moving military personnel.”
Chief of the State Border Guard General Guntis Pujāts: “The purchase of three new helicopters will significantly strengthen the State Border Guard's capabilities to effectively respond to modern security challenges, ensuring more operational surveillance of the national border and faster response in emergency situations. At the same time, the new aircraft will provide a significant contribution to strengthening the entire national security system, ensuring support in search and rescue works, civil protection measures, and in cooperation with other services and the National Armed Forces.”
The total volume of the Ministry of the Interior's investments within the framework of the SAFE instrument is planned at 80 million, including the training of pilots and service personnel and the initial maintenance of the helicopters for the first two years.
