Latvia Plans Joint Drone Factory With Ukraine

Latvia plans to establish a joint drone manufacturing plant with Ukraine in the border region of Latgale, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced after an emergency cabinet meeting, according to the Delfi news portal.

The project is expected to bring investment and create jobs in one of Latvia's economically weaker regions. Kulbergs said the government would streamline approval procedures by creating so-called "green corridors" and expressed hope that construction could begin later this year.

The initiative is based on a bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed by Kulbergs and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 9. Under the agreement, Ukraine will share its experience in unmanned systems and air defense.

Security remains a key concern in Latgale, where tensions along the border have affected tourism and other sectors of the economy.

Kulbergs said Latvia plans to deploy a new anti-drone system along its borders with Russia and Belarus in July or August. The system is intended to intercept unauthorized drones without requiring fighter aircraft to respond to every incident.

Defense Minister Raivis Melnis also visited one of the border air defense positions equipped with Latvian-made systems. Similar sites are expected to be deployed along the full length of both borders.

The cabinet also discussed increasing the number of National Armed Forces personnel stationed in the Latgale region.

(max)