Latvia plans to invest 20 million euros in a "drone army" for Ukraine this year, the same amount will be used to equip its own armed forces with drones. This initiative was called the Drone Capability Initiative.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced the drone coalition. According to their information, local Latvian companies will be involved in the production of drones, which will contribute to the development of relevant capacities in the country.
"Seeing the importance of drones in war and guided by Ukraine's experience, we can announce the launch of the Drone Capability Initiative this year. We can metaphorically talk about creating an army of drones," Spruds said.
He noted that the allocated 20 million euros will be directed to the creation of infrastructure for drones and their direct purchase, including from Latvian companies. The amount allocated for the purchase of drones is at least 10 million euros. So far, the drones have been tested by seven companies, with whom negotiations are underway for the purchase of drones in June.
Drone Coalition for Ukraine Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has long been called the "drone war." Unmanned aerial vehicles are actively used by both the Ukrainian and Russian armies. In this regard, the allies decided to create a coalition to meet the needs of the Armed Forces in drones.
14 countries joined the coalition: Latvia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany and Sweden. Other countries may also join. They have already raised 500 million euros for drones for Ukraine.
Earlier it was reported that Canada will provide Ukraine with more than 800 SkyRanger R70 multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles. They are critical to countering Russian aggression and are considered the best in their class in the world. Deliveries will begin this spring.
