Latvia’s new Defence Minister, Raivis Melnis, has stated that drones entering Latvian airspace must be intercepted and destroyed, while emphasizing the need to rapidly strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
In an interview with Latvian Television’s programme 900 sekundes, Melnis stressed that the defence industry and the armed forces must work hand in hand.
“The military industry must be closely integrated with the armed forces,” the minister said, noting that technological developments in warfare are evolving at an unprecedented pace, as demonstrated by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to Melnis, defence manufacturers and military commanders must be able to coordinate quickly and efficiently, ensuring that necessary equipment modifications and technological solutions can be implemented without delay.
Addressing the recent drone incidents in Latvian airspace, the minister delivered a direct message.
“Drones must be shot down,”
he said, while acknowledging that Latvia first needs to develop the necessary capabilities to do so effectively.
Melnis emphasized that purchasing a single counter-drone system is not sufficient. Instead, Latvia requires a broader network of surveillance, detection, and interception capabilities.
He praised the professionalism of the National Armed Forces of Latvia, noting that they are already carrying out their duties effectively with the resources currently available.
“My task as minister is to find and provide the National Armed Forces commander with the resources and systems he needs so that in Latgale and elsewhere we can detect these drones, destroy them, and prevent them from flying in Latvian territory,” Melnis said.
Commenting on cooperation with the State Border Guard of Latvia,
the minister noted that collaboration has been ongoing for years,
including the deployment of both National Guard and professional military units to reinforce border security.
He acknowledged that manpower remains limited and argued that greater use of technology will be necessary to identify violations more quickly and enable effective responses with fewer personnel.
The issue has become increasingly prominent following several drone-related incidents in May, when residents in Latgale and Vidzeme received emergency mobile alerts warning of potential threats to Latvian airspace.
Several drones entered Latvian territory, with some reportedly crashing and exploding. In addition, a NATO fighter aircraft participating in the Baltic Air Policing mission shot down a drone over Estonia.
The incidents are believed to have involved drones connected to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war that either approached or entered Latvian airspace.
The handling of these incidents contributed to the resignation of former Defence Minister Andris Sprūds, and shortly thereafter the government led by Evika Siliņa also collapsed.
Last week, Latvia’s Parliament approved a new government, in which Melnis assumed the role of Minister of Defence.
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