The Ministry of Defence hosted the ceremonial signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, further expanding the cooperation launched in early June between Latvian public institutions, Baltic Forces Ltd., and the Ukrainian defence industry. The agreements strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economics, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), Baltic Forces Ltd., Ukrainian partner companies, Riga Technical University, and the Latvian Association of Military Technologies, Drones and Robotics.
The memoranda aim to promote major investment projects in the production of unmanned systems, technology transfer, and the establishment of modern dual-use technology testing infrastructure in Latvia.
“The cooperation formalised by these memoranda is an important step towards strengthening our national security and the self-sufficiency of Latvia’s defence industry. By joining forces, we are creating a strong platform for the accelerated development of military and dual-use technologies in Latvia. It is essential that the National Armed Forces have access to the most advanced unmanned system solutions, which is why developing domestic production and testing infrastructure is a strategically important investment for the country,” said Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis.
The signed agreements cover several complementary areas of cooperation, including attracting investment for the development and production of unmanned systems and their components, technology transfer, strengthening industrial capabilities, and expanding demonstration, testing, and innovation infrastructure. Together, they establish the foundation for a competitive ecosystem for unmanned systems and dual-use technologies in Latvia, supporting investment, innovation, and high-value manufacturing.
“Today we are reinforcing a partnership that will stimulate investment, facilitate technology transfer, and develop new expertise in Latvia. Cooperation with the Ukrainian industry offers an opportunity not only to benefit from unique practical experience but also to create the conditions for developing new export products and strengthening Latvia’s international competitiveness,” said Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.
A key element of the initiative is close cooperation with Ukrainian companies, which have gained unique expertise in developing unmanned systems and dual-use technologies under real battlefield conditions over recent years. This exchange of knowledge will enable Latvia not only to attract foreign investment but also to adopt cutting-edge technologies, enhance the skills of local specialists, and develop internationally competitive export products.
“These memoranda demonstrate that Latvia is capable of attracting partners with unique technological expertise while creating an environment where investment, science, entrepreneurship, and innovation come together. Our objective is to ensure that this cooperation is transformed into concrete investment projects and new high-value jobs as quickly as possible,” said Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).
The cooperation launched in early June is designed as a long-term initiative to develop the research, production, testing, and technology transfer of unmanned systems and dual-use technologies in Latvia, strengthening the country’s security, innovation ecosystem, and high-value industrial sector.
