Latvia has commenced the installation of “dragon’s teeth” on expropriated territories along its border with the Russian Federation.
Dragon’s teeth. / © Associated Press
In May, Latvia began deploying initial anti-tank obstacles, referred to as “dragon’s teeth,” on lands that have been appropriated along the Latvian-Russian frontier.
This was announced by the National Armed Forces, as reported by the publication LSM.
It is noted that these areas were previously seized for national defense purposes, as the construction of the Baltic Defense Line infrastructure is planned directly along the border, particularly in sections where private property is situated.
The obstacles are positioned in three rows, spanning approximately ten meters in width. Each “dragon’s tooth” weighs around one and a half tons, with minimal gaps between them. Military officials emphasize that these barriers are designed to prevent the movement of military equipment across the border.
The manufacturing and delivery of the “dragon’s teeth” to their designated locations began in 2024, but their actual placement on state and municipal territories commenced last year.
Colonel Andris Rieksts, who oversees the “Baltic Defense Line” project, stresses that the objective of the defense line is not only to deter the enemy but also, if necessary, to halt and neutralize them before they cross the border.
“If something were to happen, we need to be able to destroy them here. We see what’s happening in Ukraine – once territory is ceded, reclaiming it is virtually impossible,” stated Colonel Rieksts.
According to him, contemporary warfare necessitates not only defense against drone and missile attacks but also territorial control. In addition to “dragon’s teeth,” plans for constructing anti-tank ditches are also in place for the future.
Incidentally, the total length of Latvia’s border with Russia and Belarus is approximately 450 km.
Russia’s Threats to Latvia – What is Known
Recently, Russia openly issued threats towards Latvia. Moscow claims that Riga allegedly permitted Kyiv to launch drones from Latvian territory to strike Russian soil. Russian intelligence asserts that Kyiv is preparing for strikes on “Russian rear regions,” using Latvia to “reduce the flight time of drones to targets” and “increase the effectiveness of attacks.”
Riga summoned the Russian Federation’s interim chargé d’affaires for a reprimand in response to these threats. Latvia dismissed the accusations against it as falsehoods and presented the Russian diplomat with a protest note. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Russian side is deliberately disseminating disinformation and escalating rhetoric with these statements.
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