Latvia Plans Joint Drone Factory with Ukraine Near Russian Border

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kolbergs revealed his country's intention to partner with Ukraine in creating a joint factory for manufacturing drones along the border with Russia and Belarus.

Kolbergs made this announcement during a visit to a military base in the Latgalia region, emphasizing that the initiative is part of expanding military industrial cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine, which includes establishing a shared drone production facility on Latvian territory near the border.

He further explained that Latvia plans to deploy interceptor drones to counter unauthorized drone incursions crossing the borders with Russia and Belarus. Kolbergs noted that this approach would reduce the frequent need for military aircraft takeoffs, which he described as costly and inefficient.

Earlier, in mid-June, Kolbergs disclosed a confidential decision concerning Ukrainian drones entering Latvian airspace.

Since late March, drones operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have repeatedly entered the airspace of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Moscow has issued specific warnings to the Baltic states regarding these incursions.

On May 19, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service reported that the Ukrainian military leadership is preparing a new series of attacks, labeled as terrorist acts, targeting rear areas within Russia. The report indicated that Ukraine intends to launch drones from Baltic countries to reduce the time required to reach their targets.