Latvia’s composed drone coalition has started putting together its first shipment for Ukraine, as TV3 programme 900 second was told by Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.
There are two facets in the work and decision-making of the drone coalition – international and national.
Currently the international coalition consists of ten countries. Australia is in consideration about joining this coalition.
“It is important for countries with developed manufacturing capabilities to join in to help support Ukraine,” said the politician.
He said members of the coalition have started putting together the first joint shipment for Ukraine. Looking at the overall speed of the process, Sprūds stressed it requires time, because activities have to go through national procurement projects and planning procedures. In Latvia, talks have commenced with businesses. Meetings are planned with potential drone manufacturers and suppliers.
“We’re putting together the first shipment with help from the state,” said the minister, adding that the Ministry of Defence expresses gratitude to the “Entrepreneurs for peace” organisation, which will soon sent the first shipment to Ukraine.
The Drone Coalition is an ambitious plan intended to bring the number of drones delivered to Ukraine to a million. However, Sprūds says the number is not the end goal, as it is more important to supply what Ukraine needs right now.
On the 14th of February the letter of intent to join the drone coalition was signed by Ukraine, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Holland, Germany and Sweden. On the 15th of February the coalition was joined by the UK.
Latvia will allocate at least EUR 10 million toward the development of the drone coalition. Members of this coalition are committed to supplying one million drones to Ukraine.
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