Latvian Defence Technology Gains International Recognition as France Selects Latvian-Made Interceptor Drone System

France becomes the fourth European NATO member state to deploy the Latvian-developed BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone system.

Paris, France – EUROSATORY 2026 – Latvian defence technology company Origin Robotics and French defence technology integrator DSV have announced that the French Armed Forces have selected the Latvian-developed BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone system following a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction générale de l'armement – DGA).

The contract follows a multi-month assessment during which several supplier solutions were tested against the operational requirements of the French Armed Forces for counter-drone operations and force protection missions. Following the evaluation, BLAZE was selected as the preferred solution.

Strengthening European Defence Capabilities

With this decision, France becomes the fourth European NATO member state to deploy the BLAZE system, joining Latvia, Belgium and Estonia.

Developed in Latvia, BLAZE is an autonomous interceptor drone system designed to detect, track and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne threats. The system has received NATO codification and has been developed in accordance with NATO interoperability requirements.

France’s selection highlights both the maturity of the technology and the growing capability of Latvian companies to deliver advanced defence solutions that meet the highest international standards.

Operational Requirements Shaped by Modern Warfare

The French Armed Forces' decision comes as European nations continue to strengthen their capabilities against increasingly sophisticated unmanned aerial threats.

In recent months, the French Army, together with the DGA, the Future Combat Command (CCF) and defence-sector partners, conducted extensive testing of interceptor drone systems designed to counter threats such as Shahed and Lancet-type drones.

The evaluation programme incorporated lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where unmanned systems have become one of the defining elements of modern warfare. Following this highly competitive assessment process, the French Armed Forces selected the Latvian-developed BLAZE system.

Proven Performance and Operational Credibility

Commenting on the announcement, Agris Kipurs, Co-founder and CEO of Origin Robotics, stated:

“France's selection reflects the trust BLAZE has earned through its operational deployments across Europe. We underwent a highly demanding evaluation process and are proud that BLAZE met every requirement established by the DGA. Interceptor drone capabilities have become an essential component of modern defence, and France is making a strategically important investment in its future security.”

Technology Transfer and Local Manufacturing

Under the agreement, French company DSV will supply BLAZE systems to the French Armed Forces while establishing local assembly and manufacturing capabilities in France in cooperation with Origin Robotics.

The project includes a technology transfer programme aimed at strengthening French industrial and technological sovereignty in the fields of interceptor and counter-drone technologies. It will also support the development of a domestic supply chain under the “Made in France” initiative.

The first systems are expected to be delivered within the coming weeks, with operator training commencing immediately thereafter.

DSV will play a key role in system integration, deployment, maintenance and lifecycle support. The company specialises in unmanned systems integration, surveillance technologies and security solutions for defence and critical infrastructure protection.

Latvia's Defence Innovation Ecosystem Continues to Grow

Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), commented:

“A new defence technology ecosystem is emerging across Europe, where success increasingly depends on the ability to rapidly develop and deploy solutions that address real security needs. Origin Robotics’ achievement in France demonstrates that Latvia is not only a user of advanced technologies but also a creator and exporter of them. Our strength lies in our engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who combine expertise, innovation and practical understanding of today's security challenges.”

Responding to Europe’s Evolving Security Environment

France’s decision comes amid rapidly growing European investment in interceptor drones, counter-drone systems, autonomous platforms and other advanced defence technologies.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has accelerated demand for solutions capable of protecting military assets, critical infrastructure and personnel against unmanned aerial threats. As a result, Latvian companies are becoming increasingly integrated into NATO and European defence industry supply chains, delivering technologies that meet the requirements of allied armed forces and modern security environments.