Ukraine Hails Big Drone Shipment From Latvia

Ukrainian forces fighting off the Russian invasion have welcomed news that a consignment of almost 1,500 drones is heading their way courtesy of Latvia.

According to social media post on Thursday made by Latvian Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia some 1,400 drones had been "prepared for shipment to Ukraine."

The minister pledged on X: "Together with Latvian companies, we will continue to provide support until the victory of Ukraine." A response on the Ukraine MoD's X feed commented: "Thank you, our Latvian friends! Together, we are stronger."

It further noted that in total Latvia has now provided Ukraine with about 3,000 combat drones under the ambit of the Drone Coalition. The Latvian initiative was set up in February and is coordinated in conjunction with the United Kingdom. Other participants include Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and Sweden. 

Under the agreement these countries have pledged to manufacture and deliver drones and spares to Ukraine, and train Ukrainian troops on how to use them and integrate with other technologies.

A statement on the Latvia MoD website notes: "Drone technologies have had an enormous impact on military strategies and tactical control... [they] are an instrumental element of Ukraine’s capabilities... efficient for both reconnaissance and attacking enemy targets."

The Drone Coalition seeks to ensure Ukraine’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) UAV supremacy via consistent and stable supply, to create a reliable parts supply chain and support drone manufacturing in the West, and to promote allied UAV capabilities.