Latvia will transfer more than 2,500 drones to Ukraine

Latvia will transfer more than 2,500 drones to Ukraine

Latvia has prepared the next batch of aid for Ukraine, consisting of 2,500 drones, which will arrive gradually throughout July as part of a “drone coalition” led by Latvia.

This was announced by the Latvian Ministry of Defence on Friday, July 5.

The next batch of combat drones of different types and for different purposes - a total of more than 2,500, produced by seven Latvian companies - will be provided gradually during July.

“The first delivery from this batch - 300 drones - will arrive in the next few days,” the communique noted.

The total cost of the systems is about 4 million euros.

“The Drone Coalition is starting to work... Together with other members of the initiative, we are constantly working to supply Ukraine with combat drones for various purposes in accordance with the current needs and testing needs of the Ukrainian army. At the same time, significant funds are being invested in further developments and applications,” commented Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds.

For 2024, the Latvian Ministry of Defence has allocated 20 million euros for activities within the “drone coalition”, of which more than 10 million are for the purchase of drones from the Latvian defense industry.

In April and May, Latvia transferred 135 combat drones for various purposes and electronic warfare equipment to Ukraine with a total value of about 1 million euros.

The priority for deliveries this year will be FPV drones.

The planned purchases were divided into a series of batches to give manufacturers the opportunity to gradually expand production capacity, adapt and improve samples.

The Latvian Ministry of Defence notes that there are currently 14 countries in the drone coalition. In addition to Latvia, which plays a leading role, there are also neighboring Estonia and Lithuania, as well as Poland, Britain, Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia. These countries have raised more than half a billion euros to supply Ukraine with drones and are working to create a common fund that will allow faster and more efficient financing of drone production.