Unmanned aircraft systems manufactured by Latvian producers delivered to National Armed Forces for testing

According to the agreement signed in 2018, in 2019 National Armed Forces will test unmanned aircraft systems manufactured and delivered by Latvian companies UAV FACTORY and Atlas Aerospace. 

“I am extremely pleased about the cooperation with Latvian manufacturers. Such cooperation is crucial for the security of supply and the development of national defence industry. Testing of the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is an important step towards integration of these new technologies into our armed forces. Application of these technologies will significantly boost our national defence capabilities,” underlined the Defence Minister Artis Pabriks. 

Delivery of unmanned aircraft systems will enhance aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the National Armed Forces, as well as reinforce indirect fire support control capabilities. Unmanned aircraft systems delivered to the Latvian army will also be used in search, rescue and other similar civilian operations. 

Proposed technologies were examined by the National Armed Forces in scope of its training and series of field tests. The National Armed Forces also compared the technical characteristics and estimated procurement, maintenance and further upgrading costs with similar products available in other global markets. 

The agreement on delivery of UAS to the National Armed Forces between the Ministry of Defence and Latvian unmanned aircraft system manufacturers UAV FACTORY and Atlas Aerospace was signed in 2018. This Agreement foresees gradual implementation of UAS. Initial phase of integration includes delivery of a batch of UAS for testing. If testing results will be satisfactory, cooperation will be expanded and companies will continue to fine-tune, upgrade and renew unmanned aerial vehicles based on specifications provided by the National Armed Forces.

UAV Factory was established in 2009 and has sales offices in Latvia and the US. UAV Factory is one of the leading unmanned aircraft suppliers in the world. Unmanned aerial vehicles and cameras manufactured by the company are sold to different military, civil and higher learning institutions in more than 50 countries of the world.  

Beside manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles, Atlas Aerospace, a Latvian company founded in 2016, has also launched a production of unmanned planes. Atlas Aerospace is exporting its technology to several countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Media contacts: 
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv