Defence

The Latvian government has committed to allocating up to 5% of Latvia’s GDP to defence by 2026;
Latvia is a TOP 3 NATO country for defense expenditures as % of GDP in 2025;
More than €1.17 billion planned for military infrastructure by 2036.

Latvia plans to invest at least €100 million in the drone industry in 2026, strengthening national capabilities and supporting defence.

Latvia offers a unique testing polygon for drones, counter‑UAS, and electronic warfare systems — including guaranteed free test slots for local industry at a 98,800-acre range, as well as a dedicated drone corridor supporting testing and real-world operational validation. The Latvia–Rheinmetall AG partnership marks a decisive step toward establishing largescale ammunition manufacturing capacity.

“Baltic and Eastern European region recognized as a critical defense hub, backed by strong government support for local defense industries, ensuring longterm policy stability”

Main subsectors

Drones
Latvia is emerging as an EU/NATO drone and counter-drone hub, shaped by frontline proximity, active NATO engagement, and Drone Coalition leadership.
Military manufacturing
Defence manufacturing ecosystem that brings together state, industry and research actors
Dual-use production
A proven base for manufacturing, dual-use applications and defence R&D projects

Industry leaders

Edge Autonomy

Edge Autonomy provides UAS and ISR optics to ~80 countries around the world. With production and flight operations in both the United States and Latvia, the company has supplied the U.S. military and supported global missions for more than two decades. With deep roots in Latvia, Edge Autonomy has reinforced the country’s role in Baltic and global defence markets.
Origin Robotics
Origin Robotics designs and builds hardware to empower software-dominant solutions, poised to disrupt the dynamics of today’s battlefield. The company replaces fighter planes with cost-effective drone technology to deliver and guide munitions. It leverages computer vision and AI to turn conventional munition rounds into precision-guided munitions.
LMT Defence
LMT Defence, part of Latvian Mobile Telephone, specialises in the development and integration of advanced defense technologies. As a key partner of the Latvian MoD, it launched Europe’s first 5G military test site in 2020. It delivers cutting-edge solutions, including a Battlefield Information Management System, 5G-enabled UAVs, and other military tech.
Belss/ Eraser
BELSS, Latvia’s leading defense integrator, provides telecom, engineering, and construction solutions since 1994. Its daughter company, ERASER, develops advanced military UAVs for ISR, target tracking, and precision strikes. Together, they deliver cutting-edge defense technologies combining secure communications and autonomous aerial systems.
SAF Tehnika
SAF Tehnika JSC is an RF data transmission equipment designer and manufacturer with a global presence in over 130 countries. SAF designs and manufactures top quality microwave radios, a series of the world’s smallest microwave spectrum analyzers Spectrum Compact, and solutions for wireless environmental monitoring under the brand name Aranet.
Frankenburg Technologies
Develops next-generation, AI-powered missile systems that are scalable for mass deployment, delivering advanced targeting and modern warfare capabilities

Downloads

Latvia’s Defense Innovation Ecosystem (PDF)
Defense Tech (pdf)

Contacts

Riga office

Address: Perses Street 2, Riga, Latvia, LV-1442
Web: www.investinlatvia.org
For more information: invest@liaa.gov.lv
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