Next May, Latvia will host the second high-level international Drone Summit and drone industry EXPO
On May 27, 2026, Riga will host the second International Drone Summit, bringing together defence ministers from the countries of the International Drone Coalition, leading experts, and companies from the defence industry. The summit will serve as a leading platform for discussions and future decisions, where Drone Coalition and allied nations will have the opportunity to agree on further drone deliveries to Ukraine, discuss the development of the drone industry, and establish new partnerships with drone manufacturers and innovators.
“Latvia has taken on international leadership in the drone industry not only by heading the Drone Coalition but also by promoting the development of the drone industry, fostering cooperation among entrepreneurs, and driving innovation. It is important that we continue to strengthen the defence capabilities of our country and its allies by encouraging closer cooperation between industry, science, and military sector,” notes Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.
At this year’s international high-level Drone Summit, the establishment of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center, also known as the Drone Centre, was announced. The center has already begun operating at full capacity, ensuring the development, testing, and implementation of the drone and counter-drone capabilities required by the Latvian National Armed Forces, as well as close cooperation with industry and research partners from Latvia and allied nations.
The goal of the Drone Summit is to bring together leaders of the Drone Coalition member states, leading experts, entrepreneurs and organizations from the drone industry ecosystem, as well as scientists and innovators, to recognize the importance of the drone industry in modern warfare and to develop new and creative solutions. The international Drone Coalition consists of 20 member countries whose aim is to ensure the delivery of drones, technological support, and assistance in personnel training to meet Ukraine’s needs. In 2024, the total support from Drone Coalition member states to Ukraine’s drone capabilities reached 1.8€ billion, of which Latvia contributed €20 million.
It has already been reported that on May 28 of this year, Riga hosted the first-ever defence innovation summit “Drone Summit 2025”, which brought together more than 1500 high-level political leaders, military experts, scientists, and representatives of the defence industry from 20 Drone Coalition member states and other allied countries.
The Drone Summit is organized by the Latvian Ministry of Defence in cooperation with the Autonomous Systems Competence Center. Information about the venue and registration will follow soon.
Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335129
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
