Procurement, Production, and Design of New Drones: How the 'Drone Coalition' Led by Latvia and the UK is Assisting Ukraine

In an interview with European Pravda, the head of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, explained how the "drone coalition", under the joint leadership of her country and the United Kingdom, plans to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army.

For example, the plans of the "drone coalition" are aligned with what Ukraine needs, and this is constantly changing. 

"You need not only the cheapest FPV drones, but also more advanced medium-range drones, etc. We are looking for these devices, purchasing them, and, if necessary, looking for equipment. We also manufacture and design new drones. We do all this together with our Ukrainian partners," said Baiba Braže. 

The newly appointed Latvian Foreign Minister also clarified that Ukraine is already receiving long-range drones and ATACAMS missiles from various countries. According to Braže, these supplies can change the requirement "not to hit targets outside Ukraine".

"There are already countries that have provided Ukraine with weapons without such restrictions. Of course, not everything is announced publicly, and it is even better not to say it out loud until a certain time. The main thing is the impact on the battlefield. Because there is a choice here: either to speak loudly about something or just to do what is necessary," said the Latvian Foreign Minister.

There is also a coalition fund for the development of drones, which receives contributions from other countries for the purchase of drones, the minister added.

"We are working to ensure that Ukraine receives this equipment. As I said before, Ukraine needs not only reconnaissance capabilities or single attacks. You need the ability to proactively defend yourself at long and medium range," Brazier said.

Initially, the "drone coalition" committed to providing 1 million drones by mid-2025. However, the minister predicts that this number may change.

"Cheap drones are one thing, and more advanced drones are another. So we will see whether it will be a million or a different number. It will depend on what the Armed Forces need. And we will adapt to these needs," Braže explained.

In mid-April, the Latvian government decided to send the first batch of drones to Ukraine as part of the "drone coalition". 

The UK, along with Latvia, leads the international "drone coalition" formed within the framework of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence.