On November 14, 2024, the official launch of the International Association of Defense Products Manufacturers (SAPRA) will take place at the "Grand Hotel Kempinski" in Riga. This significant event will bring together leading defense industry experts, company representatives, and government officials from various countries, marking a new chapter in the development of the defense sector.
The establishment of SAPRA represents a strategically important step in fostering the growth of both Latvia’s and the international defense industries, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. SAPRA’s mission is to unite photonics and optics companies from multiple nations, driving the closer integration of these fields within the global defense industry. Its core objective is to enhance security on NATO's eastern flank while providing a platform for the development of new technologies and solutions.
SAPRA's key focus areas include:
- Uniting photonics and optics companies on an international scale.
- Facilitating the deeper integration of these sectors into the global defense industry.
- Strengthening Latvia’s defense and military resilience by attracting NATO member companies, capital, and investments.
- Promoting scientific research, fostering collaboration between scientists and businesses, and enabling technology transfer from research to high-value products.
- Building corporate partnerships with Latvian, European Union, and NATO institutions.
Participants at the event will have the opportunity to learn more about SAPRA's strategic goals and operational plans. They will also engage in discussions with leading industry experts. Additionally, attendees will be introduced to seven international SAPRA’s members from different countries, who will share their experiences and insights into current and future trends in the defense sector.