International Association of Defense Product Manufacturers (SAPRA) Established in Riga: Innovation and Security for NATO's Eastern Flank

The International Association of Defense Product Manufacturers (SAPRA) was officially launched in Riga, with the goal of strengthening Latvia's position in the defense industry and making the country a significant strategic hub on NATO's eastern flank. The association brings together companies from Latvia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Greece, and Georgia, while also attracting interest from other countries, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation.

SAPRA fosters new investments and collaborations, such as the Latvian company "Baltic Photonics," which is investing 120 million euros to establish a production facility that will create 150–200 jobs and meet NATO's regional needs.

Collaboration with Latvian universities, such as Riga Technical University (RTU), is being developed to attract new talent and promote technological advancement. SAPRA positions Latvia as an innovation center and a reliable international partner in the defense sector.