Drone Coalition
Drone technologies have had an enormous impact on military strategies and tactical control. Drones are an instrumental element of Ukraine’s capabilities – they are efficient for both reconnaissance and attacking enemy targets.
Drone Coalition was formally established on 14 February 2024. It is an initiative proposed by Latvia and coordinated in conjunction with the United Kingdom.
The total support from all Drone Coalition member states for Ukraine’s drone capabilities reached 1,8 billion EUR in 2024. Latvia allocated 20 million EUR for the needs of the Drone Coalition in 2024. Also, in 2024, Latvia delivered nearly 5,000 drones to Ukraine.
Thanks to participation in the international Drone Coalition, Latvia has made significant progress in drone manufacturing. This initiative has not only strengthened the country’s national defence capabilities, but also provided new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, research, and the military industry as a whole.
There is ongoing cooperation together with Latvian defence industry companies in the drone manufacturing sector to provide Ukraine with combat drones of different capacities according to current needs and testing requirements.
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About the Drone Coalition
What are the objectives and targets of Drone Coalition?
- Ensure Ukraine’s UAV supremacy through stable supply of drones
- Promote creation of safe drone part supply chain in the West
- Support drone manufacturing in the West
- Promote allied UAV capabilities
Which countries participate in the Drone Coalition?*
Drone Coalition was proposed by Latvia and is coordinated in conjunction with the United Kingdom.
Other members: Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Türkiye, Ukraine, Germany and Sweden.
*More countries that wish to join coalition can be added.
For additional information and opportunities for business contact droniem@mod.gov.lv
Drone Coalition news and events
2026
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On January 28, Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, arrived in Latvia on a visit. During his visit, the Minister visited the Autonomous Systems Competence Center, where he met with Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on strengthening the International Drone Coalition and its future development.
2025
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14 February 2025 was the first anniversary of the Drone Coalition. Marking a first year since the establishment of the Drone Coalition for Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Latvia organized DRONE SUMMIT 2025 on 28 May, 2025 in cooperation with Riga Technical University. Drone Summit featured prominent guest speakers and VIP guests, political leaders from Drone Coalition member states, military experts in the relevant field, scientists, entrepreneurs and leaders from the Drone industry.
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In September 3 2025, the Autonomous Systems Competence Center was officially opened. By combining innovation, research, and procurement expertise, it will create a close link between the operational needs of the National Armed Forces and the development and implementation of new technologies. This will ensure that the most modern and secure technologies are incorporated into Latvia's defense system.
2024
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On June 3, 2024, on behalf of the Drone Coalition, the United Kingdom and Latvia announced a tender for the supply of first-person view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine. A total of 265 applications were received from companies in the member states of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Of these, 15 companies were selected whose unmanned aerial vehicle systems met the qualification criteria.
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On June 21, 2024, a grant competition for innovation development in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles was concluded, with €600,000 to be distributed among the projects. It supports projects for the development of new droppable ammunition charges and their components, as well as the development of electronic warfare and anti-drone systems. More information about the grant competition and its rules is available here.
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In 2024, the Ministry of Defense launched the Latvian Drone Capability Initiative, investing €20 million. The initiative aims to strengthen drone capabilities within the Latvian National Armed Forces.
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Within the framework of the Drone Coalition, a second international procurement competition was also announced with the aim of purchasing and transferring to Ukraine improved tactical strike drones with increased autonomous operation capabilities, night operation capabilities, and other improvements. The tender also includes interceptor drones capable of shooting down enemy unmanned aerial vehicles.
For more information about Drone Coalition for Ukraine, click HERE.
