Latvia will allocate at least EUR 10 million for the development of the so-called drone coalition within a year, the Defense Ministry informed LETA.
On Wednesday, member states of the Ramstein format Ukraine Defense Contact Group joined the Latvian-led drone coalition in support of Ukraine.
Along with Latvia, a letter of intent to join the drone coalition was signed by Ukraine, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark and Germany, the ministry said.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) indicates that drone technologies play a major role in war strategy and tactics. According to Spruds, the coalition’s aim is to implement targeted and rapid drone deliveries to Ukraine, as well as to develop the drone capabilities of Latvia and other allies.
The defense minister stresses that the drone coalition will also promote the development of the Latvian military industry and that Latvia will contribute at least EUR 10 million within a year for the development of the drone coalition.
The Defense Ministry has received information on the drones needed by Ukraine and has started negotiations with local manufacturers on their capacity to supply drones and drone parts for Ukraine’s needs, Spruds said.
The ministry notes that the ambition of the drone coalition is to provide one million drones for Ukraine. By signing the letter of intent, the countries commit to investing in drone production to supply drones and their spare parts to Ukraine, testing drones, training troops and implementing other technical solutions.
Other countries are expected to join the drone coalition as well, according to the Defense Ministry.
Source: BNS
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