Latvia Deploys Mobile Air Defense Near Border After Russian Drone Breach

Following the incident in early September when a Russian Shahed drone crashed in Latvia’s Rezekne region, the country’s Ministry of Defense has deployed mobile air defense groups to the eastern border. According to a report by Delfi, this move is part of Latvia’s increased defense efforts amid rising security concerns.

Latvia’s Minister of Defense, Andris Spruds, confirmed that mobile air defense units equipped with surface-to-air missiles have been stationed in the Latgale region. These units are supported by specialized radars designed to detect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Both professional military personnel and soldiers from Latvia’s State Defense Service are involved in the operations.

The decision to strengthen Latvia’s air defense comes after the September 7 incident, when a Russian military drone, reportedly a Shahed model armed with explosives, entered Latvian airspace and crashed. Although the target of the drone was Ukraine, the incident raised alarms in Latvia and prompted an immediate investigation by local authorities.

In response, Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires on September 9 to lodge a formal protest. The defense ministry clarified that while the drone’s intended target was not Latvia, the presence of such devices in its airspace represents a significant security threat.