Latvia Has Prepared New Batch of Thousands of Drones for Ukraine
30 December, 2024 Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds inspects a new batch of drones. Source: Minister's X-account. The Latvian government has prepared a large batch of unmanned aerial vehicles for transfer to Ukraine.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds reported this in his Facebook post. The new batch reportedly includes a thousand drones. Spruds did not specify the delivery time.
Latvian Defense Minister also noted that in 2025 Latvia planned to allocate EUR20 million for the purchase of drones for Ukraine.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds inspects a new batch of drones. Source: Minister's X-account.
On December 6, the Latvian Saeima approved the defense budget for 2025 in the amount of more than EUR1.5 billion, which includes funding for military assistance to Ukraine. As part of the bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, the Latvian government has pledged to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually for military assistance to Ukraine until 2026.
Latvian military aid
As previously reported, Latvia transferred vehicles confiscated from drunk drivers to Ukraine, with a total value of EUR2.25 million.
These include vehicles that were confiscated from drivers who drove while intoxicated. A total of 612 cars worth a preliminary value of EUR2.25 million have been transferred to Ukraine. In October, Latvian citizens purchased and delivered drones to the soldiers of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
Drones from citizens of Latvia for Ukrainian intel officers.
October 2024. Photo credits: DIU
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) said that the charity fundraising had been initiated by a public figure and volunteer Janis Slaidins, Major of the Armed Forces of Latvia. It was he who brought and handed over the drones to Ukrainian intelligence officers.
In September, it was reported that Latvia would provide Ukraine with nine CVR(T) combat vehicles.
In addition, the country plans to transfer Finnish Patria wheeled armored personnel carriers to Ukraine in 2025.