A proposed green corridor could open Latvia’s defense industry to Ukrainian companies, while both countries move toward shared drone production and stronger air defenses.
Latvia and Ukraine have begun the practical implementation of the agreements under the Drone Deal signed in June in Tallinn. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs spoke about the first steps of cooperation during the Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Eight summit.
The agreement provides for technology exchange, the launch of joint production facilities, and stronger anti-drone defense systems. According to Andris Kulbergs, one of the key objectives is to create conditions for Ukrainian defense companies to operate in Latvia.
A green corridor for Ukrainian technologies
The first stage of implementing the Drone Deal is expected to involve agreeing with President Zelenskyy on a “green corridor” for selected Ukrainian enterprises. This will enable companies to transfer their technologies for further cooperation with the Latvian side.
The first step is that, together with President Zelenskyy, we must agree on a “green corridor” for specific Ukrainian companies so that they can provide their technologies.
– Andris Kulbergs
Joint drone production and project financing
The second area of cooperation concerns the development of production capacity. Three companies have already signed memorandums of understanding and intend to begin establishing production facilities in partnership with Latvian industry this year.
The relevant funds, as well as the loan provided by the EU to Ukraine, are expected to be used to implement such projects. This should support the development of defense technologies and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Anti-drone protection to Ukrainian standards
A separate part of the Drone Deal involves strengthening Latvia’s anti-drone protection. Ukrainian specialists have already visited the country to assess existing capabilities, identify needs, and compile a list of equipment required to achieve a level of protection in line with Ukrainian standards.
We have identified the specific assets we lack to ensure such capabilities in accordance with Ukrainian standards, and now we need to discuss how to obtain the necessary equipment and speed up its delivery to Latvia in order to create the best possible capabilities for protecting our skies from drones.
– Andris Kulbergs
Andris Kulbergs named technology exchange, the launch of production facilities, and the development of anti-drone protection as the three practical areas for implementing the Drone Deal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs signed the document on June 9 in Tallinn.