Latvia is preparing a second batch of drones to be sent to Ukraine

Latvia is preparing the second batch of drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which were purchased as part of the drone coalition that the country co-led with the United Kingdom.

The head of the Latvian defense ministry, Andris Spruds, said this in an interview with ArmyInform.

"We are currently assembling the second batch of drones, which will soon be sent to Ukraine," he said.

At the same time, according to Sprūds, Latvia is already starting to implement joint international procurement.

"We do see a lot of interest. So far, it is a modest amount, 350 thousand euros, but this is the first step. It is also important that various international companies are interested in this program. That is why events are held simultaneously at the national and international level, as well as bilaterally with Ukraine," the minister explained.

He also reminded that Latvia has announced a plan and commitment to contribute a total of 20 million euros this year within the drone coalition to purchase UAVs for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

What is known about the drone coalition for Ukraine

On December 12, 2023, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met for the first time in Kyiv with his Latvian counterpart Andris Spruds. The parties discussed the creation of a "drone coalition". It was then that the decision was made to form a coalition of drones and electronic warfare.

In mid-January 2024, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds said that the country had made progress in creating a coalition of nearly 20 countries to arm the Ukrainian military with "thousands" of new drones.

Author - Ihor Lontkivskyi 17.06.24