Latvia is a Baltic state on NATO's eastern flank and a member of both NATO and the European Union since 2004. Its border with Russia, and its support for Ukraine, make defence readiness a lasting national concern. In April, Russia's State Duma passed a bill permitting overseas force deployments to protect Russian citizens from foreign courts, a measure relevant to Baltic states with Russian-citizen minorities.

The country combines territorial exposure with a growing defence-technology base. In late May, Latvia deployed mobile four-soldier drone-Intercept Teams near its Russian border after two drones crashed on Latvian soil on 7 May.

That position gives Latvia importance both as a front-line ally and as a testbed for counter-drone systems. Its NATO role, Ukrainian industrial ties and local defence firms connect border security to wider European procurement.

Key Issues

Drone production

Latvia builds its border industry

On 30 June, Latvia and Ukraine agreed to build a joint drone factory in Latgale, a region bordering Russia and Belarus. The project makes Latvia a site for Ukrainian drone-production know-how, while tying industrial activity to an exposed part of the country.

Latvia's role also reaches beyond hosting production. On 17 June, France ordered BLAZE interceptor drones from Latvian firm Origin Robotics after a French evaluation, becoming the system's fourth European buyer. The order links Latvia's border-defence experience to procurement by a western European ally.

Common Questions

Why does Russia's deployment bill affect Latvia?

Latvia hosts exiled Russian journalists (including Novaya Gazeta Europe) and has a 23% ethnic Russian minority. Russia's extraterritorial deployment bill frames military deployments abroad as protecting Russian citizens from foreign prosecution, which Baltic governments read as a threat to their territory.Source: Lowdown

Is Latvia safe from Russian military threat?

Latvia is a NATO member with Article 5 protection and hosts NATO EFP battlegroups. However, its 214 km border with Russia, large Russian minority, and proximity to Kaliningrad make it one of NATO's most exposed members.

Why is Latvia considered one of NATO's most exposed members?

Latvia shares a 214 km land border with Russia and a further border with Belarus, placing it on NATO's eastern flank. Its Russian-speaking minority (roughly 25% of the population) and the presence of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup at Ādaži make it a focal point of Alliance deterrence planning.Source: NATO

Has Latvia joined the euro and when did it join the EU?

Latvia joined the EU in May 2004 and adopted the euro in January 2014. It also became a NATO member in March 2004.Source: European Union

What is Latvia's position on the Russia-Ukraine war?

Latvia is among the most vocal European advocates for continued military support to Ukraine, consistently backing new EU sanctions packages, hosting displaced Ukrainians, and pushing for Russian asset seizure to fund reconstruction.Source: Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

How dependent is Latvia on Russian energy?

Latvia has eliminated direct Russian gas and electricity imports since 2022, synchronising its grid with the European Continental Network in February 2025 and sourcing gas via LNG terminals and Baltic pipeline interconnectors.Source: Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan

Where is Latvia located and what countries border it?

Latvia is a Baltic state in north-eastern Europe, bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the south-east, and the Baltic SEA to the west.Source: Official

Why did Latvia's defence minister resign in 2026?

Defence Minister Andris Spruds resigned on 20 May 2026, citing failures in Latvia's national response to repeated Baltic drone incursions along its Russian border.Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence

What drones does Latvia export to other European countries?

Latvia's Origin Robotics exports the BLAZE interceptor drone, developed from its own border drone-hunter deployment. France ordered BLAZE at Eurosatory in June 2026, becoming the fourth European operator after Lithuania and Latvia itself.Source: Origin Robotics