Key facts
- Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated that anti-drone systems were purchased without ammunition.
- The incident was revealed during a discussion about drone incursions and the former Defense Minister's work.
- Former Defense Minister Andris Spruds resigned in May following Ukrainian drones straying into Latvian airspace.
- Latvia will implement a new unified system for drone monitoring and threat neutralization, incorporating Ukrainian expertise.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs disclosed that authorities had previously acquired anti-drone systems without the necessary ammunition. He shared this detail in an interview with the Leta news agency, as reported by Delfi. Kulbergs mentioned the oversight during a conversation about drone incursions and the performance of former Defense Minister Andris Spruds. The prime minister did not specify the types of systems or agencies involved. Spruds resigned from his position on May 10 after then-Prime Minister Evika Silina stated he had "failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies" over Latvia, following two Ukrainian drones entering the country's airspace. The resignation prompted his party's withdrawal from the government, leading to the collapse of Silina's cabinet. Spruds's party is now the main opposition ahead of Latvia's parliamentary elections in October. Kulbergs also announced plans for a new unified system involving the Defense Ministry and Border Guard, which will utilize Ukraine's expertise in drone monitoring and threat neutralization, noting that Latvia currently lacks substantial capabilities in this area.