Ukraine and Latvia Sign Memorandums on Joint UAV Development

Ukraine and Latvia have signed a series of memorandums of understanding that expand cooperation in the development of unmanned aerial systems.

The Latvian Ministry of National Defense announced the approval of the agreements.

The goal of the cooperation is to attract investment for UAV production, transfer Ukrainian technologies, and create modern dual-use infrastructure for testing them in Latvia. An important aspect of the cooperation for Latvia is the partnership with Ukrainian companies that have accumulated unique experience in developing unmanned systems and dual-use solutions under real combat conditions.

“It is extremely important for us to provide the Armed Forces with the most advanced unmanned systems, so the development of local production and testing infrastructure is a strategically significant advantage for the entire country,” Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis emphasized.

The memorandums formalized cooperation in this area between the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Economy, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, Baltic Forces Ltd., Ukrainian partners, as well as Riga Technical University and the Latvian Association of Military Technologies, Drones, and Robotics.

“Cooperation with Ukrainian industry provides an opportunity not only to gain unique practical experience but also to create conditions for developing new export products and strengthening Latvia’s competitiveness,” Latvian Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis noted.

The cooperation, which launched in early June, reinforces Latvia’s intentions to increase funding for the defense sector to 5% of GDP, while simultaneously developing unmanned systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and air defense systems.

On June 29, Latvian Parliament (Saeima) member Andris Kulbergs reported that Latvia plans to establish a joint drone production facility with Ukraine in the border region of Latgale.