Unmanned aerial vehicle

National Armed Force (NAF) Development Plan for 2025-2036 was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 23 July 2024. It presents the long and medium term development vision based on current treat levels and potential shifts. Plan envisages the development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and precision-guided munition (PGM) capabilities within NAF. Cabinet of Ministers has allocated the total of 255.2 million euro for UAV development initiatives in 2025-2032, whereas medium term investments for 2025-2028 will reach 80.4 million euros.

NAF has developed and adopted a UAV System Development Concept that will facilitate implementation of the plan. Concept defines the architecture, implementation, controls and training guidelines for the NAF drone systems. According to the Concept, NAF functions require implementation of different-level UAV and PGM systems, from section/division level to strategic level. UAV and PGM systems will be implemented across all types of forces – air, land and sea. This will also include National Guard and contribute to higher surveillance, reconnaissance and indirect fire support control capabilities.

NAF Air Force Training Centre launched extensive UAV operator training programme in 2024. Operators are also be selected from State Defence Service members. It is planned to Continue development of Centre’s capabilities and capacity to train UAV teams and turn it into NAF Centre of Excellence for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Defence sector is working in close conjunction with domestic drone industry players who help develop various systems, provide expertise and engage with NAF and armed forces of other countries in developing tailored UAV systems. This enhances the security of supply and promotes growth of local industry.

Drone Coalition, a new capability initiative agreed by Ukrainian and Latvian defence ministers in December of 2023 based on the Rammstein format, will ensure additional support to Ukraine and promote NAF capabilities. Coalition will also serve as the umbrella under which Latvia can build the capacity of its national industry and enable industry players receive the support in the form of drone testing at the training area and under the supervision of military experts.