UK joins Latvia’s Drone Coalition

On Thursday, 15 February, the United Kingdom joined Latvia’s Drone Coalition in support of Ukraine. The two countries will jointly lead the Drone Coalition.

“Along with the existing seven countries that have already joined the Drone Coalition, the UK will make a significant contribution by supporting Ukraine both with technology and helping to develop skills. The Drone Coalition has created a strong core of partnership," Defence Minister Andris Sprūds pointed out. 

"Today, we’re going even further. I’m proud to announce that the UK and Latvia will co-lead an international coalition to build Ukraine’s vital drone capabilities. Together, we will give Ukraine the capabilities it needs to defend itself and win this war," said UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps.

As reported earlier, on 14 February, alongside Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine and the Netherlands signed a Letter of intent to join the Drone Coalition.

Latvia intends to spend at least 10 million euro in a year. Ministry of Defence has received information about drones from Ukraine and has already reached out to local companies, inviting them to propose the structure of drone and spare part delivery to Ukraine based on specification.

Drone Coalition intends to deliver 1 million drones to Ukraine. By signing the Letter of intent, countries have agreed to commit resources for manufacturing of drones and will deliver these drones and spare parts to Ukraine, where they will be tested, and Coalition will also train Ukrainian troops on how to use them and integrate with other technologies.

Media contacts: 

MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335393
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv