Rīga will once again be at the center of international discussions on unmanned aerial systems, as the Latvian government has approved hosting a second Drone Summit in May 2026. The event, slated to draw up to 2,000 participants, comes as Latvia continues to play a key role in supporting Ukraine through the International Drone Coalition and solidifying its position as a hub for drone technology and innovation. The government has allocated 300,000 euros to Riga Technical University (RTU) to organize the summit, building on the success of the inaugural event held in 2025.
The upcoming Drone Summit isn’t a single event, but rather a series of activities spanning May and June 2026, encompassing NATO and European-level initiatives. This expanded format reflects the growing importance of drone technology in both civilian and military applications and the need for international cooperation in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape. The focus will be on fostering partnerships between policymakers, military experts, scientists, and industry leaders, particularly within the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader security challenges facing Europe.
Latvia’s Growing Role in Drone Technology
Defense Minister Andris Sprūds emphasized Latvia’s emergence as a “drone power,” highlighting the country’s leadership within the International Drone Coalition. “Latvia has proven itself as a drone power – within the framework of the international drone coalition, 20 member states have mobilized for targeted assistance to Ukraine, while also strengthening national drone capabilities,” Sprūds said. The coalition, co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, aims to provide Ukraine with crucial drone technology, technical support, and training. The UK government details the coalition’s objectives on its website, outlining a commitment to delivering thousands of first-person view (FPV) drones and other essential equipment.
Beyond its support for Ukraine, Latvia is actively investing in its own drone capabilities. The Drone Summit in Rīga is seen as a key platform for attracting investment and fostering innovation in autonomous systems. The government hopes to position Latvia as a leading center for drone research, development, and manufacturing in the Baltic region and beyond. This ambition is fueled by a growing global demand for drone technology across various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and security.
A Multi-faceted Program of Events
The 2026 Drone Summit will feature a diverse program of events designed to address different aspects of drone technology and its applications. From May 22-26, NATO will host tests of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and countermeasure systems at the Sēlija training ground, with final demonstrations for summit attendees. This will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase the latest advancements in drone technology and assess their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Riga Technical University will also host an international academic conference dedicated to the drone innovation ecosystem on May 25-26. This conference will bring together researchers, academics, and industry professionals to discuss the latest research findings, share best practices, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The main Drone Summit will take place on May 27 at the ATTA Centre in Riga, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking events.
Rounding out the program, the European Security Agency (ESA) will organize pilot training and a symposium in Riga from May 31 to June 5. This training will focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of drone operators and security personnel, while the symposium will provide a platform for discussing the latest security challenges and solutions related to drone technology.
Building on the Success of the 2025 Summit
The 2026 Drone Summit builds upon the foundation laid by the inaugural event in 2025. RTU, which played a central role in organizing the first summit, has again been entrusted with the responsibility of planning and executing the 2026 event. The university’s expertise in drone technology and its strong connections with industry and government make it an ideal partner for hosting this important international gathering. The expanded scope of the 2026 summit reflects the growing momentum behind the International Drone Coalition and the increasing recognition of Latvia’s leadership in this field.
Participation in the Drone Summit is by invitation only, ensuring a focused and productive environment for high-level discussions and collaboration. While the full agenda is still under development, organizers have indicated that the summit will address key issues such as the ethical and legal implications of drone technology, the development of international standards, and the integration of drones into existing airspace management systems. More information about the event can be found on the official website, www.dronesummit.lv.
Looking ahead, the success of the Drone Summit will be measured not only by the number of participants and the quality of the discussions, but also by its tangible impact on the development and deployment of drone technology. Latvia’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in this field positions it as a key player in shaping the future of unmanned aerial systems. The next major milestone will be the release of the detailed agenda for the May 2026 summit, expected in the coming months.
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