In response to a series of drone incidents and border violations by Russia, the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) will deploy mobile drone interception units on the eastern border within a few days. These units of up to four soldiers will use 4x4 vehicles and locally produced interception drones from 'Origin Robotics' and 'Eraser'. This initiative addresses the critical low-altitude airspace threat posed by Russian drones, with at least 24 drone-related incidents recorded in the Baltic states since early 2025. The deployment is a direct response to pressure from society and political leadership, aiming for operational readiness by early June 2026. Latvia recognizes that fully covering the nearly 400 km eastern border with personnel alone is excessive, and plans to balance peacetime and conflict preparedness. The country is also collaborating closely with Ukrainian experts to improve tactical competencies related to sensor operation and kill chain optimization. Future plans include automated drone interception systems launchable directly along the border and development of electronic warfare and low-cost missile solutions. The government has granted special permissions for intensified testing at the Silene polygon, facilitating a NATO innovation hub for drone countermeasures.

In response to a series of drone incidents and border violations by Russia, the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) will deploy mobile drone interception units on the eastern border within a few days. These units of up to four soldiers will use 4x4 vehicles and locally produced interception drones from 'Origin Robotics' and 'Eraser'. This initiative addresses the critical low-altitude airspace threat posed by Russian drones, with at least 24 drone-related incidents recorded in the Baltic states since early 2025. The deployment is a direct response to pressure from society and political leadership, aiming for operational readiness by early June 2026. Latvia recognizes that fully covering the nearly 400 km eastern border with personnel alone is excessive, and plans to balance peacetime and conflict preparedness. The country is also collaborating closely with Ukrainian experts to improve tactical competencies related to sensor operation and kill chain optimization. Future plans include automated drone interception systems launchable directly along the border and development of electronic warfare and low-cost missile solutions. The government has granted special permissions for intensified testing at the Silene polygon, facilitating a NATO innovation hub for drone countermeasures.