Latvia deploys anti-mobility defences along Russian border

Latvia’s National Armed Forces (NBS) have begun deploying the first anti-mobility barriers, commonly known as “dragon’s teeth,” along sections of the Latvian-Russian border as part of the broader Baltic Defence Line project, LSM reports.

The barriers are being installed on territories previously expropriated for national defence purposes, with infrastructure construction planned directly along the border, including on former private properties.

Arranged in three rows spanning approximately 10 metres in width, the concrete obstacles are designed to block the movement of military vehicles across the border. Each barrier weighs around 1.5 tons, while the narrow spacing between them is intended to prevent armored vehicles from passing through.

Construction and delivery of the anti-mobility barriers began in 2024, although their physical deployment on state and municipal land only started this year. Military officials cited several factors behind the delays, including ongoing border construction work, coordination with the State Border Guard and issues related to site locations.

One of the most significant challenges involved the expropriation of private land needed for the project. Officials said the recently adopted Law on the Establishment of Anti-Mobility Infrastructure had accelerated the process considerably.

“Until the Law on the Establishment of Anti-Mobility Infrastructure was adopted, we faced restrictions. We could not come in and begin deploying these mobility barriers on private land. At this point, that has been resolved,” said Colonel Andris Rieksts, the officer overseeing the Baltic Defence Line project.

Authorities said landowners would receive compensation determined by a special commission with the assistance of certified real estate appraisers.

According to the military, the defence line is intended not only to deter a potential adversary but also to stop and destroy hostile forces at the border if necessary.

“If something does happen, we need to be able to destroy them here, because we see that in Ukraine – once we give up land, it’s practically impossible to get it back,” Colonel Rieksts said.

In addition to the “dragon’s teeth,” Latvia plans to construct anti-tank ditches as part of the project. Latvia’s border with Russia and Belarus stretches roughly 450 kilometres, with more than eight kilometres of anti-mobility infrastructure expected to be completed this year.

The Baltic Defence Line project is being implemented jointly with Lithuania, Estonia and Poland, with completion targeted for 2028.

By Vafa Guliyeva