She reminded that on Tuesday, the National Security Council (NDP) discussed a more effective response to security threats caused by drones.
The politician explained that incidents in which foreign drones fly into the territory of Latvia must be taken seriously. “This is a threat,” said Siliņa, emphasizing that the National Armed Forces (NBS) have acted in accordance with procedures in connection with the Russian “Shahed” type drone equipped with explosives that fell in Gaigalava Parish on September 7.
At the same time, Siliņa admitted that Latvia’s possibilities to identify such drones are not absolute, they are limited. She reminded that Latvia has already invested certain funds in order to strengthen such defense capabilities.
“Currently, we have agreed that it is important that the Ministry of Defense, the NBS and the Ministry of the Interior strengthen their procedures,” Siliņa explained.
The Prime Minister also stated that, taking into account the war started by Russia in Ukraine, such incidents, when a foreign drone flies into Latvia, are likely to be repeated.
Evaluating the communication of the Ministry of Defense and the NBS with the public regarding the drone and actions with it, the Prime Minister said that she trusts the Minister of Defense and the NBS, reminding that the communication with the media took place after the risks had been eliminated. “First of all, the threat to the safety of the population must be eliminated,” she added.
Minister of Defense Andris Spruds (P) stated at the press conference that the incident is very serious and the next steps are currently being evaluated. “This is a confirmation that the war continues and support for Ukraine must continue,” he added.
Sprud emphasized that he trusts NBS professionals who have acted in accordance with the established procedures. At the same time, it will be evaluated whether they can be made more effective.
The Minister of Defense stated that it is necessary to strengthen the anti-aircraft defense capabilities at the border, as well as the anti-drone defense capabilities.
Active interaction with allies is also planned. Sprudus is said to have already contacted the defense ministers of neighboring countries. On Wednesday, September 11, Sprud is scheduled to meet with the NATO air force commander to discuss further actions.
On the other hand, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rihards Kozlovskis (JV) told the media that the involvement of the Department of Internal Affairs in responding to such cases will be assessed in the near future.
It has already been reported that the NDP agreed on Tuesday to “update and improve the necessary procedures” in order to implement a more effective response to security threats caused by drones.
The Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces (NBS) will work on improving the procedures in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior.
On September 7, a Russian “Shahed” type drone equipped with explosives, which was aimed at Ukraine, but ended up in Latvia, fell in Gaigalava Parish. The NBS monitored the situation, but no decision was made either to shoot down this drone or to take the NATO fighter jets on duty in Latvia into the air. When the drone fell, the warhead that had not exploded initially was deactivated. According to the NBS management, the information obtained so far shows that the drone’s arrival in Latvia cannot be evaluated as an open military escalation against Latvia.
The NDP agreed on Tuesday at the NBS to speed up the further development of military capabilities and the deployment of additional air defense systems to strengthen the defense of NATO’s Eastern border.
The Council agreed that the Latvian side will bring up the need to speed up the implementation of NATO’s modern air defense system and rotational presence of capabilities on NATO’s Eastern flank in accordance with the decisions made at NATO summits at the next meeting of the North Atlantic Council and in discussions with allies.
The statement issued after the NDP meeting emphasized that Russia’s military operations in Ukraine continue, in which unmanned aerial vehicles are widely used, so the possibility of future incidents cannot be ruled out. “Latvian residents are invited to remain vigilant by reporting to the state’s law enforcement authorities and competent institutions,” the statement said.
The evaluation of the conclusions of the in-depth investigation of the incident is planned at the next meeting of the NDP.
2024-09-11 08:26:58