Latvia discusses integration of Israeli defense technologies
In Rēzekne, Latvia, participants at the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026 discussed opportunities for integrating Israeli defense technologies and drone production on NATO’s eastern flank. Participants in the event, which took place in early September, were warned about possible emergency alerts on their phones in the event of a threat in the airspace, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Latvian Prime Minister’s Parliamentary Secretary Krists Avots mentioned the appearance of two drones in Rēzekne on May 7. According to him, the incident was a reminder of the need for constant readiness and modern counter-drone capabilities. Avots also stressed that Latvian defense companies must develop technologies interoperable with allies and enter international markets.
Israeli technologies
The article’s author, Noam Bedein, director of innovation diplomacy and strategic partnerships at Hamitbah — Western Negev Innovation Authority, writes about the technologies of the Israeli accelerator SouthUp DefenceTech. Seven companies were selected for the accelerator’s third cohort from more than 120 Israeli defense startups.
The developments presented include the SelfS microchip for autonomous drone navigation without GPS, the Cipax communications system for maintaining control of drones under electronic warfare conditions, and the Baxera passive acoustic system for detecting low-flying drones. The article also mentions Robotican, which manufactures autonomous interceptor drones, and CopterPIX, which has a 3,000-square-meter production facility.
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Testing and production localization
Yevhenii Riastsenko-Saraks, head of innovation and research policy at Latvia’s Ministry of Defense, according to the publication, presented Israeli developers with an integration pathway through Latvia’s Autonomous Systems Competence Center. It includes testing at the Sēlija military training ground under conditions of intense interference, as well as establishing a local corporate presence to participate in joint applications to the European Defence Fund.
Laura Strovalde, deputy director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, reported a potential portfolio of dual-use technology projects worth €2 billion. According to her, international joint ventures require local registration for long-term production. One developer of optical guidance systems is already assessing the possibility of establishing an assembly site in Latvia.
Latvian Economy Minister Viktors Valainis stated that the country had increased defense spending from 3% to more than 5% of GDP. He called the dual-use technology sector both a defense necessity and a tool for economic development. The article also notes that Latvia ranks seventh among European drone exporters.
