Large-scale NATO drone technology tests and the international "Drone Summit 2026" take place in Latvia

On Tuesday, May 26, the large-scale NATO Innovation Range demonstration event is taking place at the "Sēlija" military training area, while on Wednesday, May 27, the second international drone summit, "Drone Summit 2026," will open its doors in Riga.

At the "Sēlija" military training area, cutting-edge drone and counter-drone technologies will be presented and tested under real conditions, bringing together NATO officials, defense industry companies, and military experts. The event will be attended by Tarja Jaakkola, NATO´s Assistant Secretary General for Defence Industry, Innovation and Armaments, Major General Andis Dilāns, Undersecretary of State for Logistics of the Ministry of Defence, and Major Modris Kairišs, Head of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center. The training ground's unique testing environment allows for both high-speed interceptor drone trials and electronic warfare experiments in an open area.

On Wednesday, May 27, the focus will shift to the capital, which will host this year's main industry event – the "Drone Summit 2026". It will gather up to 2000 participants from NATO and allied countries in one place, including political leaders from the international Drone Coalition and industry experts. The summit will feature panel discussions, business networking activities, drone workshops, and an extensive industry exhibition.

The Drone Summit is organized by The State Centre for Defence Logistics and Procurement and the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with Riga Technical University. More information is available at: www.dronesummit.lv.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department 
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335129
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv