Latvia to hand over the largest batch of drones of its own production to Ukraine

Latvia has prepared the largest batch of drones produced by local companies for transfer to Ukraine.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds announced this on X (Twitter).

According to him, this batch consists of 1,400 drones that are supposed to help the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the war.

“The largest batch from Latvian manufacturers – 1400 drones – is ready to be shipped to Ukraine,” Sprūds said.

He added that this completed the Ministry of Defense’s purchase of more than 2,700 drones from Latvian industry for Ukraine’s needs.

The minister also noted that Latvia had provided Ukraine with a total of 3,000 drones of various types and specifications as part of the international Drone Coalition, which it led.

“Together with Latvian companies, we will continue to provide assistance until Ukraine’s victory,” the Latvian Defense Minister emphasized.

Andris Sprūds announced the transfer of the previous batch of about 500 drones to Ukraine ten days ago.

In July, Latvia also handed over 500 drones to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The drones are manufactured by seven Latvian companies.

The Drone Coalition currently includes 14 countries. However, other countries may join the initiative. In total, as of June, the participating countries raised €549 million to supply Ukraine with various drones.

In 2024, the Latvian Ministry of Defense alone allocated €20 million for the needs of the Drone Coalition, of which €10 million were earmarked for the purchase of drones from the Latvian defense industry.

The initiative to create the Drone Coalition was announced during a meeting between the Latvian Defense Minister and the Ukrainian Defense Minister in December 2023. And on February 17, 2024, it was formed from eight countries.