Latvia hands Ukraine first batch of UAVs as part of "Drone Coalition", another one on its way

The government of Latvia donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine the first batch of unmanned aerial systems purchased as part of the "Drone Coalition" and has already prepared another consignment.

This was announced by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds, who spoke in an interview with ArmyInform, Ukrinform saw.

"Latvia has prepared a batch of drones and they have already been sent. Now we are already collecting the second batch of drones, which is soon to be sent to Ukraine," Spruds said.

In general, according to the minister, Latvia, which along with the UK co-leads the "Drone Coalition", committed to contribute this year EUR 20 million as part of the initiative.

"At the same time, when we count those countries that have already made commitments, it is more than EUR 500 million, more precisely, EUR 549 million already vowed by member states, partners within the framework of the Drone Coalition. So, the next step is to use this funding effectively, and we are doing it on several levels," Spruds said.

He also confirmed that Latvia imposes no restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine, noting that Russia is an aggressor state, and that Ukraine has the right to self-defense.

"Therefore, when we provide our equipment, Ukraine can use it in accordance with its military-strategic assessments and needs," the Latvian Defense Minister emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Coalition of Drones and EW was conceived jointly by Ukraine and Latvia. The decision was made during the visit of Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds to Kyiv in December 2023. Later, a number of countries joined the initiative, including Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Estonia, and Canada.

Photo: mod.gov.lv