Latvia says its forces can now shoot down foreign drones

Latvia is now prepared to shoot down foreign drones using its own forces, the National Armed Forces (NAF) said, according to public broadcaster LSM. At Lielvārde Air Force Base, the military demonstrated the locally made Blaze interceptor drone and presented other air defence systems available to NATO allies.

Blaze, produced by Latvian company Origin Robotics, is an uncrewed aircraft designed to intercept and destroy enemy drones in the air. The NAF also cited radar systems being set up on the border as part of measures developed in recent months.

Latvia is awaiting a German-made IRIS-T medium-range air defence system, which the Defence Ministry expects to arrive in late October or early November. The system was jointly procured by Latvia and Estonia; one has already been delivered to Estonia, and personnel are training to integrate the equipment into air defence.

Latvian officials said the country’s own resources remain limited and it would be difficult to respond to a threat alone. German Eurofighter aircraft have arrived to reinforce security during the parliamentary elections and are to remain on readiness alongside air defence units in Lithuania and Estonia.

Drones that have entered Latvian airspace have so far been shot down only with support from allied aircraft. The response depends on several factors, including how early a threat is detected.