Latvia has launched AlliedTechLabs, an international research and testing centre designed to accelerate the development of advanced defence and dual-use technologies, with European defence AI company NestAI planning to contribute up to €1mn over three years, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia announced on November 2.
The initiative could strengthen Latvia’s position in Europe’s expanding defence technology industry by connecting domestic researchers and businesses with Nato allies, US defence programmes and international investors. It also aims to turn experimental technologies into commercially viable products suitable for military deployment.
The centre was unveiled in Riga on November 2, with representatives of the US Department of War’s FutureG Office, European defence technology companies and Latvian government institutions attending the launch.
AlliedTechLabs will operate within Latvia’s Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI), supported by telecommunications company LMT Group, the defence and education ministries, and Riga City Council.
Its research priorities include next-generation 5G and 6G communications, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, edge computing and secure military networks.
The initiative builds on Latvia’s experience hosting Nato’s Digital Backbone eXperimentation programme since 2022, which has enabled international companies to test military communications technologies.
A memorandum signed by LMT Group, EDI and NestAI outlines the Finnish-linked AI company’s proposed investment of up to €1mn over three years.
NestAI develops NestOS, an adaptive operating system for battlefield operations, and cooperates with European defence organisations, including Finland’s armed forces.