Ukraine is set to receive 12,000 drones manufactured in Latvia during the first half of 2025, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said, according to Latvian media outlet Delfi on February 17.
The large-scale drone shipment is part of the international Drone Coalition, a defense initiative co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. The coalition, established in February 2024, now includes 17 countries, with Norway being the latest to join.
So far, coalition members have pledged nearly $2.1 billion (€2 billion) to supply Ukraine with drones.
In total, participating countries have either delivered or are preparing to send approximately 100,000 combat UAVs, primarily first-person view (FPV) drones, which have proven highly effective in combat.
According to Minister Spruds, Latvia alone has already supplied Ukraine with 5,000 drones worth $15.7 million (€15 million) over the past year.
As part of the coalition’s efforts, a joint international procurement fund has been established, administered by the United Kingdom. Latvia has contributed $5.2 million (€5 million) to this multi-million euro initiative.
Beyond direct state contributions, coalition members also provide aid bilaterally in the form of UAVs and financial support.
In the coalition’s first international drone procurement tender, five companies were selected from over 260 European manufacturers to supply 30,000 drones worth $47 million (€45 million). Notably, two Latvian drone manufacturers secured contracts totaling $17.7 million (€17 million).
“In the first half of 2025, 12,000 Latvian-made drones will be delivered to Ukraine,” Spruds confirmed.
Earlier, reports emerged that Latvia will supply Ukraine with 42 Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers this year, most of which will be newly manufactured.
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