Latvia tests naval drones in Baltic Sea amid war in Ukraine and growing maritime threats
Latvia to test naval drones (armyinform.com.ua)
Latvian forces, together with their allies, will begin testing advanced naval drones. The tests will take place at a new training site on the Baltic Sea coast, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds emphasized that in the face of growing security threats, it is essential to develop naval drones. He noted that testing such drones in real-world conditions is an important step toward strengthening the country's national defense.
"By creating a platform for testing naval drones, we are also supporting innovation in the defense industry," he added.
Legislative changes have already been made to allow naval drone testing to take place at sea in a safe and controlled manner. The first trials at the Škede naval training ground are scheduled for the second half of June this year, and are expected to become regular.
The Ministry of Defense noted that such tests contribute to improving operational readiness and enhancing cooperation with allies.
Ukraine actively uses naval drones
Ukraine has already developed its own naval drones to defend against Russian aggression.
These unmanned vessels have been repeatedly used by Ukrainian forces to destroy Russian ships in the Black Sea.
More recently, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) used naval drones to destroy Russian radar equipment installed on the so-called Boyko Towers.
