EU drone and counter-drone technology centre to be developed at the Sēlija Military Training Area
On Friday, 30 October, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis represented the European Union (EU) in announcing the establishment of two EU drone technology centres – one in Latvia and one in the Netherlands. The Latvian project will focus on land-based and aerial drones, as well as counter-drone technologies, while the Dutch pilot project will concentrate on maritime and seabed security and unmanned maritime systems.
"Europe’s security starts with our ability to act together and decisively. From strengthening air defence and addressing the growing threat posed by drones to fostering innovation and closer cooperation with Ukraine and NATO, we must invest more strategically, develop our defence capabilities and turn innovation into practical solutions. Our freedom and democratic values cannot be taken for granted; they require constant preparedness, bold action and unwavering solidarity," Valdis Dombrovskis emphasised.
The drone technology centre planned in Latvia will provide facilities for developing and testing solutions for the detection, tracking and neutralisation of unmanned aerial and ground systems. Particular attention will be paid to the effectiveness and interoperability of technologies, as well as their ability to respond to rapidly evolving security threats.
The drone technology centre planned in Latvia will provide facilities for developing and testing solutions for the detection, tracking and neutralisation of unmanned aerial and ground systems. Particular attention will be paid to the effectiveness and interoperability of technologies, as well as their ability to respond to rapidly evolving security threats.
Latvia’s drone technology centre is linked to the EU’s Drone and Counter-Drone European Resolve (DECODER) capability project, which aims to develop and deploy unmanned and counter-drone systems tailored to the needs of European countries. The project also seeks to strengthen the defence industry’s manufacturing capacity and advance technological solutions and system interoperability.
DECODER is one of the European Defence Projects of Common Interest and is expected to draw on EU support instruments for its implementation. One of the project’s key activities is the establishment of drone technology centres, which will help bridge the gap between technology development, practical testing and the operational deployment of innovative solutions within the armed forces.
Latvia – part of a Europe-wide initiative
The establishment of drone technology centres marks the first step towards creating a broader European network of drone technology centres. The aim is to bring together the expertise of EU Member States, the defence sector, research organisations, businesses and armed forces to promote the development, testing and practical deployment of new technologies. The development of common and harmonised testing and evaluation methodologies will also play an important role. This will make it possible to better assess the capabilities and interoperability of different systems and facilitate their use by the armed forces of different countries.
The initiative also aims to foster closer cooperation between the European Union and NATO, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both organisations while avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts. As a co-lead of the initiative, Latvia will strengthen its role in shaping the future of European defence technologies, fostering the development and testing of innovative solutions that respond to today's security challenges.
Informāciju sagatavoja:
AM Militāri publisko attiecību departamenta
Preses nodaļa
Tālrunis: 67335309
E-pasts: prese@mod.gov.lv