Police authorized to shoot down drones in Latvia

Police in Latvia have been authorized to forcefully land or shoot down drones to prevent a possible attack.

The Latvian Saeima adopted the amendments to the law on police in the final reading on Thursday, March 27, LSM reports.

The amendments were supported without discussion by 76 deputies, and 6 were against. The law comes into force upon adoption.

Law enforcement officers will now have the right to use special means to stop the movement of a remotely controlled device (drone) in the air, water, or on the ground if it threatens public safety, human life or health, the security of protected facilities, or critical infrastructure.

This will be allowed if the drone is being used illegally or if there is a suspicion of a possible criminal offense.

Until now, only border guards or the military could land or shoot down drones in Latvia in the event of a potential threat.

The police had the technical ability to identify drones, their route and altitude, and the location of the pilot flying them, but they had no legal ability to seize, destroy, or force them to land.

Even if the drones posed a threat to public safety and critical infrastructure.

The amendments to the law also give the police the right to use explosives in some instances.

Last September 7, a Russian kamikaze drone Geranium-2 (Shahed-136) crashed in the Rezekne district of Latvia. The country’s armed forces tracked the drone’s flight and determined its crash site.

The Latvian security forces acted in accordance with established procedures, including informing NATO command.

Latvia has contracted Origin Robotics to develop a specialized system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy drones. This is a strategic step aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and ensure airspace security.