New unmanned systems and robotics technologies have irreversibly transformed modern warfare, yet NATO is still experimenting and falling behind in adapting to these changes, Jānis Garisons, Chairman of the Management Board of maritime drone manufacturer Newt21, said during TV24’s Kārtības rullis programme.
Raimonds Bergmanis, Chairman of the Latvian Parliament’s Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee, agreed with this assessment, highlighting that both Russia and Ukraine have already established separate command structures for robotic systems and drones.
During a discussion on Latvia’s security and defence readiness in October 2026, Garisons criticised a recent address by NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, describing it as a reflection of an outdated model of warfare.
He stressed that although Latvia is currently one step ahead of NATO’s overall pace in understanding these technologies, this advantage is still insufficient.
“If we wait until the enemy launches an attack, we must expect that drones will destroy all major radars, ships and other military infrastructure. Ukraine has already demonstrated this new reality. A 30-kilometre ‘death zone’ has been established there, where no one can enter. Drones have created an entirely new dimension in air defence that cannot be countered, yet NATO is still experimenting!” Garisons warned.
He expressed confidence that there is no return to the old approach and that these new technologies are here to stay.
“But where are our drone units?” he asked rhetorically, while welcoming Germany’s recent announcement about establishing specialised drone units.
Bergmanis agreed, emphasising that both Russia and Ukraine have already established dedicated command structures for robotic and drone forces.
He stressed that Latvia and its allies must now make every effort to accelerate the establishment of such units and integrate them throughout NATO’s defence system.