Europe’s Largest Military Optics Factory to Be Built in Latvia

An Optical Revolution in Latvia’s Defense and Technology Sector  

Baltic Photonics has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a cutting-edge factory in Latvia for the production of third-generation night vision devices. The facility is set to become the largest of its kind in Europe, positioning Latvia as a new high-tech competence hub for the region. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with full-scale operations expected by 2027.

The project was presented at the Baltic Photonics optics laboratory in the Berģi industrial zone of Riga, bringing together key partners and high-level guests from Germany, Greece, Canada, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, as well as representatives of Latvian ministries and institutions.

Production with Strategic Significance for NATO

The new facility will offer a complete production cycle — from component design and assembly to precision testing and maintenance of optical systems. The factory is projected to manufacture up to 30,000 third-generation night vision devices annually, creating more than 250 highly skilled jobs.

Target markets will include the Baltic and Nordic countries, NATO member states, and defense equipment manufacturers across Europe.

“Currently, only a few companies in the world can produce optical night vision systems at such a high technological level. Establishing this capability in Latvia is a major strategic step — both in strengthening national security and advancing industrial development in the region,” said Edgars Zandmanis, Chairman of the Board of Baltic Photonics.

Government Support for High-Tech Industrial Development

“The fact that a project of this scale is being implemented in Latvia proves our ability to realize strategically important initiatives and to become a regional innovation hub in the defense sector,” emphasized Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.
“The Ministry of Economics is ready to support the successful implementation and long-term growth of this initiative.”

Laboratory Already in Operation

Earlier this year, the Baltic Photonics laboratory began operations and is currently engaged in R&D, prototyping, assembly, and servicing of optical systems. The lab is developing advanced technologies in areas such as high-vacuum systems, electro-optics, phosphor screen applications, and image intensifiers, which will serve as a foundation for future innovation at the factory.

About Baltic Photonics

Baltic Photonics is a high-tech company based in Latvia, specializing in the development, assembly, and application of advanced optical systems for defense and security. The company is part of the Harder Digital Group (Germany), with the majority stake held by Theon Sensors S.A. (Greece) — one of the world’s leading manufacturers of customizable night vision and thermal imaging systems, with products used in more than 70 countries.

The upcoming factory in Latvia will become the largest production facility in the Harder Digital Group and the only dedicated military optics factory in the Baltic region.