Luxembourg expresses readiness to join the international drone coalition

On Wednesday, 2 October, while visiting Riga, Yuriko Backes, Defence Minister of Luxembourg, formalised Luxembourg’s intent to join the international drone coalition for Ukraine led by Latvia and the United Kingdom.

“Luxembourg’s membership in the drone coalition is vital for drone R&D, which is essential in giving Ukraine an upper hand over the aggressor. We will continue to urge other allies to become active members of the drone coalition so that we could increase the number of drones shipped to Ukraine,” Andris Sprūds, Defence Minister of Latvia, emphasised.

According to drone coalition’s Memorandum of Understanding, new members of the drone coalition need to be approved by the existing member states. After Luxembourg’s accession, the number of coalition’s member states will grow to 17.

Member states of the drone coalition have already provided substantial support for Ukraine and delivered various drones. Since its inception this February, coalition coordinated by Latvia has delivered around 3 000 drone of various specification and combat capabilities to Ukraine. Latvia has allocated €20 million for the needs of drone coalition, as well as facilitating drone testing by manufacturers and National Armed Forces. This ensures constant upgrading of the available technologies.

Apart from Latvia, coalition is comprised of the United Kingdom, Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, new Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and Sweden. 

MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335391
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv