Latvia to Deploy Drone Interceptors on Belarusian and Russian Borders

Latvia is set to deploy drone interceptors along its border with Belarus and Russia within days, according to Major Modris Kairišs, head of Latvia's Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems. The country's military has finalized testing of the interceptor units and is preparing for their official deployment.

Kairišs stated that the new systems are designed to detect and intercept drones, with the challenging aspect being the initial detection and information relay. Beyond acoustic sensors, Latvia is integrating tactical radar and optical camera systems to create a multi-layered detection network. Each interceptor unit will consist of up to four soldiers and an "interceptor box," and the units will be mobile enough to cover approximately 460 kilometers of Latvia's border with Russia and Belarus.

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Soon, very soon, I hope in a few days, we will officially deploy the interceptor units.

Latvia has also developed a fully remotely controlled automatic turret system armed with 50mm caliber cannons. The move comes as the Baltic states have recently experienced several airspace violations involving drones. Earlier in May, two Ukrainian drones flying towards Russia crashed in Latvia, causing a political crisis that led to the collapse of the ruling coalition. NATO fighter jets also intercepted a drone in Estonian airspace last week, and potential drone incursions have been reported in Lithuania, where air hazard alerts were issued in Vilnius and Utena regions.

The European Union initiated a plan in February to bolster frontline states against potential economic damage from Russia's war in Ukraine and its hybrid tactics. The European Commission is also developing plans to assist countries in enhancing their air defense capabilities through joint procurement and development schemes.

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the hardest thing is to detect (drones – ed.) and transmit information to the right place