Brasa Defence Systems: Latvian innovation in the global defence industry

With an innovative approach and high-quality standards, several Latvian defence industry companies have managed to gain a foothold in the international market. One such success story is Brasa Defence Systems, one of the leading Nordic and Baltic manufacturers of military clothing and equipment, whose products are currently exported to around 16 countries worldwide.

For nearly two decades, the company has provided a wide range of mission support products, from tactical clothing and equipment to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Brasa Defence Systems’ products are designed to withstand the most extreme conditions and are actively tested not only in laboratories but also in real combat conditions: in Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as in the harsh Nordic climate.

One of the company’s strategic areas of focus is the production of military clothing and equipment. This includes not only camouflage clothing adapted to different climatic conditions, but also highly resistant thermal clothing capable of ensuring survival in freezing temperatures as low as -50 degrees. The equipment is designed not only for durability but also for ergonomics – for example, backpacks and body armour vests are designed to minimise strain on the spine and to facilitate prolonged handling of heavy loads.

Innovation plays a key role in the defence industry – a fact which Brasa Defence Systems has long since embraced. About five years ago, the company expanded its field of activity by developing unmanned platforms. This is a response to the challenges of military logistics: while a soldier can carry up to 50 kilograms of equipment in a backpack, unmanned ground vehicles can move heavier loads and provide combat support functions – evacuation of the wounded, intelligence and counter-intelligence operations, etc.

The UGVs currently produced by the company are highly functional vehicles that can even be equipped with remotely operated weapons systems, making them a strategically valuable on the battlefield. It is important to note that the equipment produced by Brasa Defence Systems is light and modular, both from a consumer and a production point of view, as it allows absolute customisation to the user’s needs. They are also dual-purpose products, as they can be used both for defence functions and in civilian facilities. The company is currently developing the second generation of UNHUMAN, with improved performance, driveability and efficiency.

The company’s export markets are very broad and include Europe, Canada, Israel and even such farther away countries such as Mexico and the United Arab Emirates. However, export volumes vary, ranging from 10% to 70%, as the global defence market is very dynamic. In recent years, Brasa Defence Systems has been working exclusively with European producers of raw materials, which not only ensures high quality but also shorter and more reliable supply chains. This is particularly important in crisis situations where fast and stable supply is critical.

The key to the company’s success lies in close collaboration between engineers, military experts and researchers. Brasa Defence Systems is actively working with Riga Technical University to develop new solutions that meet today’s defence needs. The company’s engineering team is also growing every year, providing more and more opportunities for innovation.

In product development great attention is given to functionality: for example, sleeping bags are designed in such a way that they are not only useful for a soldier’s moments of rest, but are also an excellent thermal insulation tool that can be used as a cover to camouflage the camp from drones with thermal cameras if necessary. Each product is designed to be as durable and ergonomic as possible and compliant with customer requirements and standards, including NATO quality standards.

Considering the current geopolitical situation and increasing demands in the defence sector, Brasa Defence Systems is continuing to grow and develop. The company believes that Latvia has great potential in the defence industry and that it is important for every country to ensure its independence in the production of military equipment. With its ability to adapt and innovate quickly, Brasa Defence Systems not only meets the needs of partners in Latvia and throughout NATO but also proves that Latvian companies can be leaders in the global defence industry.