Latvia Plans to Launch Joint Drone Production With Ukraine in Border Region of Latgale

Latvia and Ukraine plan to establish a joint drone manufacturing facility in the border region of Latgale.

The announcement was made by Latvian Saeima member Andris Kulbergs following a government meeting held in the region, according to Dronu.

The Latvian government aims to fast-track the project and locate the production facility near the country’s eastern border.

Kulbergs said the region needs new investment, more jobs, and stronger economic growth, adding that security is essential for the development of tourism and business.

During the visit, officials also discussed strengthening defenses along Latvia’s eastern border. The defense minister said that counter-drone systems will be deployed along Latvia’s borders with Russia and Belarus in July and August.

The interceptor systems will enable forces to respond to aerial threats without having to deploy aircraft in every case. Kulbergs added that Latvian drone interception systems are already operating in certain sections of the border, and the government plans to expand the presence of the Latvian National Armed Forces in the Latgale region.

The decision to establish a joint drone manufacturing facility builds on the existing defense cooperation agreements between Latvia and Ukraine.

In particular, the two countries agreed to exchange experience in countering aerial threats and to further develop unmanned technologies. They also plan to carry out joint projects in the areas of air defense (AD) and drone systems.