Latvia allocates $21 million to develop an "army of drones" for itself and Ukraine

The Latvian government is investing $21.8 million to develop a "drone army" for the military.

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The move is part of the government's efforts to modernise the armed forces and strengthen partnerships with the local defence industry. Around half of the funding will be used to purchase drones from Latvian companies, while the rest will be allocated to a mobile training and testing facility in Selia.

"Seeing the importance of drones in warfare and guided by Ukraine's experience, we can announce the launch of the Drone Capability Initiative this year. We can metaphorically talk about creating an army of drones," said Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.

This means that Latvia will not only supply Ukraine with drones, but will also introduce these technologies even more actively in the National Armed Forces.

"These 20 million euros include both the creation of infrastructure and the purchase of drones, including from Latvian companies worth at least 10 million euros," he said.

So far, 7 companies have tested drones and are negotiating the purchase of drones in June. According to him, the country's ambition is to purchase up to 1,000 drones, which can also be sent to Ukraine.

In addition, training in the use of drones will be conducted at various levels: at the National Defence Service, the Jaunsardze youth organisation, the Colonel Oskar Kalpak Professional High School, and as part of the national defence training.

Source: LSM