Latvia Strengthens the “Drone Wall” on the Eastern Border – Significantly Increases Funding for Drone Capabilities, Develops a Modern Air-Defence System, and Becomes One of the EU-Level Leaders of Drone Capability Groups

Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds has announced that next year 200.54 million euros are planned for strengthening air defence. Meanwhile, 50 million euros will be invested in unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities – representing a significant increase compared to this year, when 20 million euros were allocated. The information was presented on Tuesday, 9 December, at the Ministry of Defence’s monthly press conference.

“These investments demonstrate Latvia’s determination to significantly strengthen the state’s resilience and responsiveness while contributing to overall European security. Latvia has become the first NATO member state to introduce acoustic drone detection along the entire eastern border, markedly improving its ability to detect low-flying objects in time. In parallel, new surveillance systems are being integrated – including the recently received Giraffe 1X radars, which considerably expand detection capability and enable rapid reaction to potential threats. These solutions mark an important step in creating the ‘drone wall’, which includes both detection and counter-drone measures and strengthens Latvia’s ability to protect its airspace,” underlined the Minister of Defence.

At the same time, counter-drone systems are actively being developed in close cooperation with the local defence industry. Earlier this year, several research and development projects were launched, focusing on electronic warfare technologies, military mobile platforms, interceptor drones, and guided missiles. At the Selonia military training area, the first interceptor-drone tests have been conducted, and by the end of the year, the National Armed Forces will receive the first domestically produced interceptor drones, which will be deployed in border areas. In addition, Latvia will procure drones tested in Ukraine in order to assess their effectiveness and ensure that the country has access to the most modern and operationally reliable solutions. In parallel, work has begun on evaluating next-generation interceptor drones, taking into account the rapid pace of technological development.

Latvia to advocate for “Drone Wall” priorities at the EU level

“We are purposefully strengthening Latvia’s air defence by developing both detection and counter-action capabilities, investing in modern technologies, and cooperating with the local industry. Our external border is also the border of the European Union and NATO, and its security is a shared responsibility. Therefore, at the European level, I advocate for increased funding for air-defence and drone capabilities, stressing that this will be one of Europe’s key priorities in the coming years,” noted Minister Sprūds.

At the beginning of December, Latvia, the Netherlands and Croatia agreed on closer cooperation in the development of drone and counter-drone systems during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting of defence ministers in Brussels. This partnership confirms Latvia’s leadership and strengthens its role in shaping Europe’s collective security environment, while also fostering the development of solutions that will improve the defence capabilities of both Latvia and the entire European Union.

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