Latvia says efforts to provide Ukraine with 1 million drones moving ahead

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) – Latvia’s defense minister said Thursday that an initiative to deliver a million drones to Ukraine by next February is moving ahead after New Zealand became the latest country to join the Drone Coalition for Ukraine co-led by Latvia and the UK.

Andris Spruds confirmed that the coalition has secured commitments from a “number of countries” totaling more than €550 million ($598 million).

“It’s not the end of the process. Additional funding is being announced almost on a weekly basis,” Spruds said in an interview on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington, D.C.

According to Spruds, this mechanism is very important because it shows that “we are moving forward not only declaratively, but also with concrete steps of action," local broadcaster Saga TV reported.

"Five months ago, we signed a letter of intent. But now we have already created concrete mechanisms both in relation to the development of our own industry and supporting Ukraine, including investing in its industry," he added.

The countries are committed not only to supply drones to the war-torn country but also to develop high-quality technologies that will increase their efficiency and range of applications, according to national broadcaster LSM.

The group of about 15 countries aims to supply drones, which have proven to be crucial weapons in Ukraine against Russian troops.

The Baltic country wants to establish a “drone army” as part of efforts to boost production of the local defense industry and strengthen military capabilities in the Baltic region, Spruds said.

In May, the minister confirmed that Latvia will invest around €20 million this year to develop the project.

On Wednesday, members of the Drone Coalition signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which provides a framework outlining the coalition’s core activities, management structure, and procurement mechanisms.

So far, the Netherlands, the UK, Latvia, New Zealand and Sweden have pledged in total over €45 million to the Common Fund, with additional contributions anticipated, according to Wednesday’s joint statement issued by the Drone Coalition’s member states.