Swiss technology startup nordfen AG has chosen Latvia as the location to develop advanced drone simulation technologies in partnership with the association Drone Force – Europe. Today in Riga, the partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming their intention to create next-generation training solutions for drone operators that are expected to be used not only in Latvia but across Europe.
The Growing Role of Drone Technology in the Civil Economy
Uncrewed technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the civil economy. Drones are widely used in infrastructure inspection and maintenance, the energy sector, agriculture, search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and many other industries, driving demand for highly qualified drone operators. Simulation technologies enable trainees to acquire practical skills more safely, efficiently, and across a broader range of scenarios before flying in real-world environments.
The company selected Latvia after recognising the country’s growing expertise in uncrewed technologies, well-developed practical training infrastructure, and strong opportunities to develop innovative solutions together with Latvian partners.
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is supporting nordfen’s entry into Latvia and the establishment of the company’s local operations.
“LIAA is delighted to support nordfen’s expansion into Riga. The decision by a Swiss startup that emerged from the ETH Zurich innovation ecosystem to invest in Latvia demonstrates our country’s strong expertise in drone technologies. I am confident that this memorandum marks the beginning of a new chapter in innovation cooperation between Latvia and Switzerland while further strengthening Latvia’s reputation as a centre for high-value technology development,” says Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director for Investment Promotion at LIAA.
Partnership Combines Technology with Practical Experience
Under the partnership, Drone Force – Europe will provide practical training infrastructure, instructor expertise, and educational programmes, while nordfen will develop simulation technology that uses geospatial and Earth observation data to create realistic virtual training environments. The solution will complement practical training with advanced simulations, allowing operators to safely develop and refine their skills across a wide variety of flight scenarios.
“Our partnership with nordfen will enable us to create a simulator that accurately reflects Latvia’s environment and can be tailored to specific mission profiles—from reconnaissance and resupply operations to flights conducted in electronic warfare environments. The simulator will support training for the military, the State Police, and the State Fire and Rescue Service, while ensuring that all training data is securely stored in Latvia,” says Viesturs Silenieks, Chairman of the Board of Drone Force – Europe.
By combining Drone Force – Europe’s operational expertise with nordfen’s simulation software, the partners aim to develop solutions that improve drone operator training while facilitating knowledge transfer between Latvian and international partners. The platform is expected to support educational institutions as well as the training needs of professional services and organisations.
“Drone Force – Europe provides something no software company can build on its own—real students, highly qualified instructors, and training programmes that prove their value every day in practice. We provide the technology that allows this expertise to scale, from pilot training to drone engineering. Riga is becoming a place where Europe’s drone ecosystem is taking shape,” says Jack Kendall, Co-founder and CEO of nordfen.
About nordfen
nordfen AG is a Swiss technology startup originating from the ETH Zurich innovation ecosystem. The company develops simulation software for training operators of uncrewed aerial systems and remotely operated platforms, using geospatial and Earth observation data to create highly realistic virtual training environments.
About Drone Force – Europe
Drone Force – Europe is a drone education and training centre based in Riga, Latvia. The organisation provides practical training infrastructure, experienced instructors, and educational programmes for professional drone pilot training.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is a government agency operating under the Ministry of Economics. It helps Latvian companies expand into international markets, attracts foreign investment, and promotes innovation. LIAA supports exports, market expansion, investment projects, and initiatives that strengthen Latvia’s competitiveness in the global economy.
