Two Latvian businessmen will deliver around 12,000 drones worth 17 million euros.
Spruds emphasizes that the drone coalition has made a significant contribution to the development of the Latvian drone industry, the security of supplies and the strengthening of the national economy. “The international success of Latvian companies, including the choice of two local companies in the procurement of British drones, confirms the high quality of our technology,” says Spruds.
The minister explains that the drone industry continuously adapts using experience and feedback, and its development is a resource not only for the support of Ukraine, but also for the defense and economy of Latvia. Investments in the defense sector contribute to the return of funding to the national economy, emphasizing the importance of local companies in the national economy and strengthening security, emphasizes Spruds.
Last year, when Latvia agreed with Great Britain on co-leading the drone coalition, it was decided that Great Britain would take over the coordination of the coalition’s common fund and joint procurement. The creation of the fund officially came into effect with its signing on July 10, 2024.
The members of the coalition contribute to the common fund, which is allocated for joint procurement for the support of Ukraine. The Drone Coalition has committed to regular procurement to ensure continuity of Ukraine’s drone supplies. In 2024, Latvia invested five million euros in the common fund.
265 applications were received for the first general procurement. Experts in the field from the member states of the drone coalition evaluated all the applications and selected 30 companies that made it to the next round. The applicants selected in the second round met face-to-face with the coalition’s expert group in order to verify the company’s ability to provide the promised production in time, volume and quality. After the second round, 15 merchants were sent to the tests in Latvia, five of whom successfully passed the tests and were selected for procurement. Two of these five are Latvian businessmen.
The aim of the member states of the drone coalition is to ensure the supply of drones necessary for Ukraine’s needs, technological support and assistance in personnel training. The commitment envisages the delivery of combat drones of various capacities to Ukraine, developed in accordance with the requirements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The coalition includes 17 member states – Latvia, Great Britain, Ukraine, as well as Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany and Sweden.