Latvia and Ukraine are preparing to deepen their defence cooperation through a new long-term agreement focused on drone technologies, air defence systems, cybersecurity and defence industry integration.
The agreement, drafted by the Latvian Ministry of Defence, aims to strengthen both countries’ security by facilitating the exchange of technology, operational experience and expertise, particularly in the development of integrated air and missile defence systems, resilient supply chains and advanced technological solutions designed to address current and emerging threats.
Under the proposed framework, Latvia and Ukraine will provide mutual advisory support, training programmes and other forms of defence cooperation.
The agreement identifies five initial priority capability areas. The first focuses on sharing operational experience related to battlefield drones, long-range strike systems, maritime drones and other unmanned platforms. The second area covers air defence technologies, including interceptor drones, electronic warfare systems and other counter-drone solutions.
The third priority involves cooperation on sensors, intelligence gathering, early warning capabilities
and target acquisition systems. The fourth area centres on battlefield management systems and command-and-control capabilities.
The fifth focuses on military doctrine development, training programmes and greater integration with NATO structures, including cooperation with Latvia’s Autonomous Systems Competence Centre and NATO forces stationed in the country.
The agreement also provides a framework for technology transfer, subject to national export control regulations.
Both countries would consider facilitating the transfer of technologies,
components and related materials through appropriate licensing procedures. This may include the transfer or joint use of intellectual property rights within mutually agreed research, development and production projects.
Latvia and Ukraine also intend to strengthen cooperation between defence companies to jointly develop and manufacture defence technologies in both countries.
The proposed framework includes plans for closer collaboration in rebuilding and developing defence-related infrastructure, including secure communications networks, logistics facilities and military-industrial sites.
Cybersecurity is another major pillar of the agreement.
The two countries would exchange technical expertise and best practices, conduct joint training and exercises, implement capacity-building programmes and provide institutional support.
The draft agreement also allows Latvia to provide grants, investments and co-financing for Ukrainian cybersecurity projects, research initiatives and critical cyber infrastructure modernisation.
The Latvian Ministry of Defence highlights Ukraine’s unique operational knowledge gained during its war against Russia.
Ukraine has expressed readiness to support Latvia
by sharing lessons learned in countering maritime threats, air and missile attacks, electronic warfare operations, drone warfare and other technology-driven military activities.
At Latvia’s request, Ukrainian military specialists could be deployed to Latvia to conduct assessments, training exercises and consultations, as well as assist in developing military doctrines, procedures and operational best practices.
The agreement also foresees consultations on establishing investment frameworks to integrate both countries’ defence industries more closely.
Potential mechanisms include joint defence investment funds,
joint ventures, innovation platforms, investment insurance instruments and long-term procurement systems capable of supporting large-scale defence projects.
In addition, the parties may explore opportunities to deploy forces to each other’s territory, depending on future security conditions and developments in the war.
If approved by the Latvian government and signed by both sides, the agreement will enter into force immediately and remain valid for ten years, with automatic ten-year extensions unless either party formally decides otherwise.
The initiative reflects Latvia’s growing emphasis on incorporating Ukrainian battlefield experience into its own defence planning. New Defence Minister Raivis Melnis has already identified the integration of Ukraine’s combat lessons into Latvia’s armed forces as one of his key priorities.
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