Latvian drone interceptor units to enter service “within weeks”
Origin Robotics’ Blaze drone interceptor is one of the systems being deployed with drone interceptor units. (Photo: Origin Roboitcs)
The Latvian Army is to deploy counter uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) or counter drone units imminently, according to the head of the country’s Autonomous Systems Competence Centre, Maj Modris Kairišs.
The units, which Kairišs said will be deployed “very soon, within days but definitely within weeks”, are designed to be small and mobile, consisting of three or four soldiers travelling in a single vehicle and equipped with Latvian interceptor UAS.
The high mobility aspect of the units will be a key part of the capability with the country’s eastern border with Russia and Belarus being remote, rugged and about 450km
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
Eurosatory 2026: France seeks strategic autonomy with Long-Range Ground Strike system
As countries across Europe strive to acquire new multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) off the shelf, France has opted to develop its own to ensure it maintains domestic capability.
-
US lawmakers prepare a historic investment in stockpile replenishment in FY2027
The House Armed Services Committee recently released the Chairman’s NDAA FY2027 markup, which supports the Pentagon’s request for nearly $90 billion for long-range missiles, air defence interceptors, precision-guided munitions and industrial baseline items.
-
Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition
The HIMARS acquisition could deliver launchers within 18 months while driving new investments in Canadian manufacturing, technology and defence supply chains.
-
South American MBTs: upgrades and payload modernisation could shape procurement paths
While South American geopolitics are complicated, the likelihood of inter-state warfare is low, calling into question the future of the venerable main battle tank.
-
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
-
Six critical capability gaps shaping the US Golden Dome implementation
How emerging technologies and capability priorities will shape America’s next-generation missile defence system.