The drone shot down in Latvia had flown in from Belarus, the defense minister said
The drone that was shot down on Friday in the Balvi region of Latvia entered the country’s airspace from Belarus. Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis made this statement in an interview with Latvian television, according to LSM English.
The drone’s wreckage was found in the Balvi region, where experts are continuing to examine it. The origin of the drone has not been officially confirmed. According to an assessment cited by LSM English, it could have been a Ukrainian drone that was attacking targets on the territory of Russia, the aggressor state, and veered off course due to the use of Russian electronic warfare systems.
Melnis emphasized that Latvia will continue to shoot down drones that enter its territory, as they pose a risk to the safety of residents and their property. According to him, Ukraine, in self-defense, continues to launch drone strikes on Russian territory, while Russia is taking countermeasures.
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The minister also acknowledged that there are currently insufficient drone-countermeasure systems and radars along Latvia’s border. By the end of September, the country plans to deploy Latvian-made equipment along the entire border with Russia and Belarus.
Separately, Melnis commented on the procurement of interceptor drones from the Latvian company Origin Robotics, the testing and acquisition of which began in late 2025. According to him, explosive warheads were not initially procured for these drones, and the process of acquiring them began later. The minister does not consider this to be negligence and suggested that there may have been a lack of discussion and mutual understanding between the ministry and the armed forces.
