Latvia digs first anti-tank ditches on eastern border
Tuesday 20th October 2026 on 12:45 in
Latvia
Latvia has dug four kilometres of anti-tank ditches and installed so-called dragon’s teeth along five kilometres of its eastern border as work continues on the Baltic Defence Line, LSM reported, citing state-owned company State Real Estate (VNĪ).
The first phase of the project is under way in the Alūksne, Balvi, Ludza, Krāslava and Augšdaugava districts. It also includes building areas to store military materials and equipment. The Defence Ministry has allocated 12.98 million euros for the work.
About 27 kilometres of defence infrastructure are planned for this phase. A second priority phase would add infrastructure along about 62 kilometres of the Latvia-Russia and Latvia-Belarus borders. Eight bids have been received for ditch construction and the manufacture and installation of dragon’s teeth. Contracts are expected to be signed in November, with construction due to finish by the end of 2027.
VNĪ is coordinating the work with municipalities and local businesses, particularly during the agricultural season. Contractors must maintain the roads they use and repair any damage to access roads and drainage systems.
Information about the defence infrastructure, land acquisition, compensation and construction is available on the Defence Ministry’s website.