Latvia Advances Drone Innovation and EU Defence Priorities at Industry Council Meeting

Key developments in Latvia’s defence sector, including the upcoming Drone Summit 2026 and the European Union’s long-term budget, were discussed during the ninth meeting of the Defence Industry Advisory Council, held on 11 March under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence.

During the meeting, Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds highlighted that this year’s Drone Summit will take place on 27 May 2026, bringing together high-level government officials and military representatives from NATO and allied countries, alongside leading experts, companies, researchers, and NGOs in the unmanned systems sector.

A day prior to the summit, live drone testing demonstrations are scheduled at the Selonia military training range, offering insight into the latest technological developments.

NATO Innovation Range and Industry Development

The Minister also emphasized that Latvia will host several large-scale tests of unmanned systems and counter-UAS technologies this year במסגרת the NATO Innovation Range initiative. The Selonia training area has become an official NATO testing site, strengthening Latvia’s position in drone technology development while providing direct support to the growth of the domestic defence industry.

The Autonomous Systems Competence Centre will be authorized to grant a NATO quality and innovation label to products that successfully pass testing, ensuring recognition across all NATO member states.

The Council also reviewed the NATO innovation solutions catalogue, which helps member states and partners navigate the Alliance’s innovation ecosystem, identify priority technology areas, and foster new collaborative projects.

EU Budget Priorities and Defence Investment

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented key planned changes to the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.

The proposed budget amounts to nearly €2 trillion, with €131 billion earmarked for resilience and security, defence industry development, and space-related projects. Funding is expected to be delivered through a mix of grants, loans, equity investments, blended finance, and public procurement instruments.

Discussions among EU Member States are ongoing, with an agreement at the European Council level expected by the end of this year.

Strengthening Defence Logistics and Industry Cooperation

The State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre presented its latest functions, including the provision and management of a unified catering system for the National Armed Forces, as well as initiatives to develop the defence innovation ecosystem and support capability modernisation. The Council was also briefed on upcoming procurement plans within the sector.

The Defence Industry Advisory Council, established in April 2025 on the initiative of the Minister of Defence, serves as a platform to share sector updates, provide recommendations, promote industry initiatives, and coordinate the implementation of defence industry strategy.

The Council brings together representatives from government institutions and leading industry organisations, ensuring broad coordination across Latvia’s defence and innovation ecosystem.

Source: Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Department of Military Public Relations, Press Division