This year, Latvia plans to conduct several comprehensive tests of unmanned aerial vehicles and countermeasures as part of the NATO initiative "NATO Innovation Range," Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced at this week's meeting of the Defense Industry Advisory Council, LETA reports.
The Ministry of Defense informed the LETA agency that under the ministry's leadership, the ninth meeting of the Defense Industry Advisory Council took place, where current trends in the development of the industry were discussed, including the multiannual budget of the European Union, the progress of supply reforms, the planned Drone Summit, and other relevant issues.
During the meeting, Spruds informed council members about several important industry news. The minister noted that the Drone Summit this year will take place on May 27 and will gather high-ranking representatives from the governments and military of NATO countries and allied states, as well as leading experts in the field of drones, company representatives, scientists, and non-governmental organizations.
A day before the summit, demonstration trials of drones are scheduled to take place at the "Sēlija" military training ground.
The minister also emphasized that the "Sēlija" military training ground has become an official NATO testing site, which strengthens the country's position in the development of drone technologies and provides direct support for the growth of the local industry. The Competence Center for Autonomous Systems will have the right to award the NATO quality and innovation mark to products that have successfully passed testing, ensuring their recognition in all alliance countries, Spruds reported.
On April 16, 2025, at the initiative of the Minister of Defense, the first meeting of the Defense Industry Advisory Council took place. The purpose of the council is to familiarize with current industry issues, provide recommendations and proposals, promote initiatives in the defense industry, and coordinate the implementation of the industry development strategy.
The council includes representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Federation of Security and Defense Industries of Latvia, the Confederation of Industrial Development of Latvia, the Confederation of Employers of Latvia, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Military Technologies, Drones and Robotics, the International Association of Defense Manufacturers, and the Financial Industry Association. Representatives from other institutions may be involved as needed.
