Latvia to Supply 1,500 Drones to Ukraine's Armed Forces

Ulyana Krychkovska, Yevhen Kizilov
Published: April 1, 2025, 20:35

Latvia has announced its commitment to provide an additional 1,500 combat drones to bolster the capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces, as confirmed by Latvia's Defence Minister, Andris Sprūds. This announcement was made on April 1, 2025, via the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Details of the Drone Supply

Minister Sprūds stated that the upcoming delivery is part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. He noted that two Latvian companies will contribute to a total of 12,000 drones, valued at €17 million, which will be supplied to Ukraine in the first half of this year. This initiative is part of an international coalition focused on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Background of the Coalition

The drone coalition, co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, was established in January 2024. The coalition's primary objective is to support Ukraine's military operations through enhanced UAV capabilities. On March 24, it was reported that the coalition had allocated €20 million from a joint fund specifically designated for the procurement of tactical-level reconnaissance drones to support the Ukrainian defense forces.

In a related initiative, the Swedish government has also committed to providing funding for coalitions focused on mine clearance and UAVs, as part of the Ramstein support framework aimed at assisting Ukraine.

This latest development in drone supply from Latvia underscores ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflicts, and highlights the role of NATO allies and European partners in enhancing Ukraine's military resources.

As tensions continue in the region, these supplies are seen as critical to maintaining Ukraine's defense efforts against external threats.