Drone coalition for Ukraine gaining momentum - Latvian defense minister

RIGA - The drone coalition for Ukraine is gaining momentum, and the Allies will continue to mobilize international partners to supply more drones to Ukraine, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) said during a visit to the United Kingdom. 

During his working visit to the UK, Spruds met with Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence (Minister for the Armed Forces).

During the meeting, the officials discussed cooperation between the two countries and current issues related to the provision of support to Ukraine in the framework of the drone coalition.

"The drone coalition is gaining momentum. Together with the UK, as a leading member of the drone coalition, we will continue to mobilize international partners to deliver more and more drones to Ukraine. At the same time, we will strengthen defense and drone industry capabilities and transnational cooperation to ensure the delivery of drones of different capabilities to meet the current needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," Spruds said.

The officials also discussed further cooperation between the two countries in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to ensure a coordinated and unified Allied presence in the Baltic and North Sea region. The next JEF exercise is scheduled to take place in Latvia in November this year.

The minister also informed about the UK-Latvia drone industry forum organized during his visit, where he met with entrepreneurs from both countries and learned about drone innovations.

The international drone coalition is becoming an important platform for transnational partnerships in the drone industry, building cooperation in innovation, attracting investment and increasing production capacity. The active interest of Latvian and UK drone manufacturers demonstrates the potential for transnational cooperation," said Spruds.

As reported, the Defense Ministry has allocated EUR 20 million for the drone coalition's needs this year, with more than EUR 10 million earmarked for drone deliveries from the Latvian defense industry.

Along with Latvia, the drone coalition includes Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, the UK and the UK.

The drone coalition so far has raised more than EUR 0.5 billion for drone deliveries to Ukraine.