LATVIAN DUAL USE EXPORT FORUM 2026

With the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026 just around the corner, Līva Stūrmane, Chairwoman of The Red Jackets, joined TV3’s morning programme 900 sekundes to talk about this year’s Forum and the growing opportunities in the defence and dual-use sector.

The Forum will focus on building real business connections, strengthening international supply chains and creating new opportunities for Latvian companies in the defence industry.

Līva also shares why Rēzekne was chosen as the location for this year’s Forum and what participants can expect during the programme on September 6–7.

Watch the interview and read more on TV3: Latvija un ārvalstu uzņēmumi Rēzeknē meklēs jaunas sadarbības iespējas aizsardzības industrijā | tv3.lv

Please note: the interview is available in Latvian.

As Latvian companies increasingly explore opportunities in the defence and dual-use sectors, Lightspace Technologies is a strong example of how one technology can move between defence and civilian applications – and back again.

The Latvian company develops advanced augmented reality solutions and head-mounted displays. Its technology originally came from the defence sector, later found applications in medicine, and has now returned to defence-focused development.

Today, Lightspace Technologies works internationally and has established cooperation with major industry players, including Rheinmetall Electronics UK. The company’s experience also highlights some of the key challenges for technology companies entering the defence market – from having a demonstration-ready product to finding trusted local partners and navigating different national defence ecosystems.

In the article, Ilmārs Osmanis, owner of Lightspace Technologies, shares the company’s experience of developing dual-use technologies, entering international markets and building partnerships in the defence industry.

Read the full story to learn more about Lightspace Technologies and its journey from defence to medicine – and back to defence: “Lightspace Technologies”: no aizsardzības pie medicīnas un atpakaļ pie aizsardzības - The Red Jackets.

Please note: the full article is available in Latvian.

The development of dual-use and defence technologies has become an important part of Latvia’s industrial policy, with support available to companies at different stages of growth – from the first idea and prototype to production, capacity expansion and large-scale investment projects.

During the current EU funding period 2021–2027, more than EUR 270 million has been allocated to the development of Latvia’s defence industry and dual-use technologies.

Available support includes funding for:

• Research and development – support for developing new products, prototypes and technological solutions;

• Innovation and productivity loans – financing for companies moving towards production or expanding existing production;

• Large investment projects – support for significant production expansion and industrial development;

• Guarantees – helping companies access bank financing when additional collateral is needed;

• Strengthening industrial capabilities for defence – support for new production facilities, infrastructure, technologies and equipment.

Companies can also benefit from Latvia’s “Green Corridor” for faster processing of permits and public services, as well as Ministry of Defence grants and opportunities for research and development cooperation.

Interest in these programmes is already high. According to current information from the Ministry of Economics, dozens of dual-use projects have received support, while LIAA is currently working with 39 potential investment projects worth approximately EUR 1.23 billion.

The article also explains what companies should be prepared for when applying for funding – including eligibility requirements, co-financing, project readiness and the need to demonstrate that the proposed product or technology meets defence or dual-use criteria.

Read the full article to explore the support instruments available for dual-use and defence companies in Latvia and what businesses should consider before applying: No idejas līdz ražošanai: kāds atbalsts pieejams duālā pielietojuma uzņēmumiem? - The Red Jackets.

Please note: the full article is available in Latvian.

As defence and civilian technologies increasingly overlap, Latvian companies are finding new opportunities to apply their existing expertise in new markets. LMT began developing its dual-use direction several years before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Today, LMT Defence is a full-cycle military capability developer, working on tactical communication systems, military command-and-control software and defence innovation. Together with the Latvian National Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, LMT also established the first military 5G test environment in Europe, which has become a platform for testing future technologies with NATO allies.

The company also works with major European defence industry players on research and development projects covering unmanned systems, combat vehicles, augmented reality technologies and cybersecurity solutions.

In the article, Salvis Skladovs, Director of LMT Defence, shares the company’s experience of entering the dual-use and defence sector, working closely with end users and building partnerships across the defence ecosystem. He also highlights an important lesson for companies entering this market: innovative technology alone is not enough – close cooperation with end users, trusted partners and patience through long testing, certification and procurement cycles are essential.

Read the full story to learn more about LMT Defence and how dual-use technologies have become an important part of the company’s future growth: “LMT Defence”: duālā pielietojuma tehnoloģijas kā dabisks attīstības solis - The Red Jackets.

Please note: the full article is available in Latvian.

Dual-use business opportunities are not limited to technology companies. Traditional manufacturers can also find their place in defence industry supply chains by adapting existing expertise, products and production capabilities to new market needs.

Latvian industrial packaging manufacturer KRONUS is one example. With 30 years of experience in industrial packaging, the company began exploring opportunities in the defence sector around two years ago after seeing existing customers use its packaging solutions for military products.

Today, KRONUS already produces packaging for drones and ammunition and exports defence-related products to markets including Finland, Germany and France. The company sees significant potential for further growth in this segment.

According to Artjoms Minajevs, Marketing Director at KRONUS, entering the dual-use sector has also changed the way the company approaches product development. Instead of focusing only on standard products, KRONUS has become more flexible in adapting solutions to specific customer requirements and developing new products.

The defence sector also requires a different approach to business development. Industry exhibitions, associations, sector organisations and direct relationships with decision-makers play an important role, while trust, supply-chain security and patience are essential when building long-term partnerships.

KRONUS’ experience demonstrates how capabilities already present in traditional industries can open new opportunities in the growing European defence and dual-use market.

Read the full article → “Kronus”: arī dronam nepieciešams iepakojums - The Red Jackets

The full article is available in Latvian.

Registration is now open for the Company Visits organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) as part of the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026 programme.

On September 6 in Rēzekne, participants will have the opportunity to visit LEAX Rēzekne, Bee Tactics and VEREMS.

On September 8 in Riga, the programme will include visits to TAGINN, RAW-Tech and Redwire Defense Tech Riga.

The visits offer an opportunity to explore Latvian capabilities in advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, defence and dual-use technologies, tactical training and aerospace.

EXPLORE THE COMPANY VISITS PROGRAMME

With one month to go until the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026, international interest continues to grow.

More than 150 participants from 19 countries have already confirmed their participation, making this the forum's strongest international representation to date. The event will take place on 6–7 September in Rēzekne, Latvia, bringing together defence and dual-use manufacturers, technology companies, investors, suppliers and system integrators from across Europe and beyond.

Participants will include approximately 50 international companies and 120 Latvian businesses, with more than 180 pre-arranged B2B meetings planned. Companies from the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia and other countries have already registered.

The forum begins on 6 September with DV Days, featuring live defence technology demonstrations, company visits and networking activities. The main forum on 7 September will include expert panel discussions, an EXPO area, technology presentations and structured B2B matchmaking designed to create new international business partnerships.

As Europe continues to strengthen its defence capabilities and diversify supply chains, the forum provides a platform for companies to explore new cooperation opportunities, connect with international partners and position themselves within the growing dual-use and defence ecosystem.

Read the full press release HERE

How can companies with no previous experience in the defence sector successfully enter this rapidly growing market?

The answer is often simpler than expected: by building on the expertise they already have.

Across Latvia, more and more companies are transforming their existing technologies and know-how into dual-use solutions that create value for both civilian and defence applications. Rather than starting from scratch, they adapt proven products, technologies, and competencies to meet new security challenges.

In a recent Labs of Latvia article, three companies share their journey into the defence sector:

• RAW-tech – developing unmanned technologies for infrastructure inspections and critical infrastructure protection;

• Silmor Industrial Marking – leveraging more than 30 years of industrial marking expertise to create solutions for defence applications;

• Cube Systems – using over two decades of IT experience as a foundation for entering the military sector.

Their stories demonstrate that successful diversification into defence is not only about technology—it also requires a shift in mindset, strong partnerships, and a willingness to explore new opportunities.

As Europe continues to strengthen its defence capabilities, dual-use innovation is becoming one of the most promising growth areas for technology companies.

Read the full article here:
labsoflatvia.com/aktuali/nakotne-pieder-tehnologijam-ar-vairakiem-pielietojumiem

What could become Latvia’s next major export success story?

At the LAMPA Conversation Festival, held on 10–11 July 2026 in Cēsis, the Latvian Exporters Association The Red Jackets brought together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to discuss the growing role of defence and dual-use technologies in Latvia’s future export development.

The discussion, titled “Latvia’s Next Export Wave: Defence and Dual-Use Technologies,” took place on 11 July at the Export Port and was moderated by Līva Stūrmane, Chairwoman of the Board of The Red Jackets.

The discussion brought together representatives of companies operating across different industries:

• Liene Gaspažiņa, co-owner and CEO of SILMOR;

• Reinis Purvēns, founder and CEO of RAW;

• Kristaps Puķe, co-founder and CEO of Natrix;

• Uldis Biķis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Latvijas Finieris.

Although their companies represent different sectors, they share an increasingly important characteristic: the ability to apply existing knowledge, technologies and production capabilities to both civilian and defence-related needs.

Dual-use development does not always start with a new product

One of the central messages of the discussion was that entering the defence sector does not necessarily require companies to start from zero.

In many cases, businesses already possess technologies, engineering expertise, production capabilities or services that can be adapted for additional applications. A solution originally developed for industrial, infrastructure or civilian use may also address challenges related to security, resilience or defence.

This transition requires companies to look at their existing competencies from a new perspective and identify where they could provide value in international defence and dual-use supply chains.

It also requires a change in mindset. Businesses must be prepared to understand new customer needs, adapt their products, meet demanding requirements and build trusted partnerships over the long term.

Export is essential for the growth of dual-use companies

For Latvian companies working with dual-use and defence technologies, international markets are especially important.

The domestic market alone is often not large enough to support rapid scaling. Companies therefore need to think internationally from an early stage, build relationships with foreign partners and become part of broader European and NATO-related value chains.

This is also why the discussion is directly relevant to the participants of the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026. The forum continues the conversation by bringing together Latvian companies, international partners, public institutions and defence-sector stakeholders to explore concrete cooperation and export opportunities.

Making Latvian exports visible

The discussion formed part of the two-day “Export Port” programme at LAMPA. Together with partners including LMT and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, The Red Jackets created a space where visitors could not only discuss export challenges, but also see real products and services developed in Latvia and already reaching international markets.

The programme demonstrated the diversity of Latvian exports—from established industries and creative sectors to advanced technologies and emerging defence applications.

By sharing practical company experiences and bringing export issues into a broader public discussion, initiatives such as the “Export Port” help strengthen Latvia’s export culture and encourage more companies to consider their international potential.

The discussion at LAMPA highlighted a clear opportunity: Latvia’s next export wave may be created not only by entirely new technologies, but also by companies that successfully adapt what they already do well to meet new civilian, security and defence needs.

The full discussion is now available online in Latvian: Watch the full discussion.