https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/15.07.2026-latvia-tweaks-its-military-national-service-rules.a655227/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:29:58 GMT 655227 On Tuesday, July 14th, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft law developed by the Ministry of Defence, which aims to improve the regulation of the State Defence Service (VAD) – Latvia's system of compulsory military conscription – based on the experience gained during the first six intakes. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/15.07.2026-baltics-and-poland-warn-again-about-potential-russian-provocations.a655213/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:37:00 GMT 655213 Lithuania has intelligence information indicating that Russia may be preparing to carry out provocations of some sort in the Baltic region, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said in an interview with the BNS news agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/15.07.2026-lrt-lithuania-considering-reintroducing-checks-on-latvian-border.a655168/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:24:00 GMT 655168 Lithuania's incoming Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas has not ruled out temporarily reintroducing border controls with Latvia as the number of migrants arriving from Belarus via Latvia continues to increase. Compared with the first half of last year, secondary migration from Latvia has risen fourfold, reports Lithuanian public media LRT. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/10.07.2026-lions-leap-military-exercises-taking-place-this-weekend.a654614/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:04:25 GMT 654614 From July 11 to 12, the international military exercise “Lions Leap” will be held in the vicinity of Ozolaine, Vecsaule parish, Bauska district, in which the 53rd Infantry Battalion of the 1st Riga Brigade of the National Guard, the 503rd Infantry Company of the Lithuanian National Guard, and soldiers of the 2025 draft of the State Defense Service will participate. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/10.07.2026-latvia-is-belarus-first-target-for-hybrid-war-border-guard-chief.a654588/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:48:00 GMT 654588 Latvia is currently the number one target of Belarus’s hybrid warfare, and the challenges are immense, Guntis Pujāts, commander of the State Border Guard, told Latvian Television on July 9 regarding the situation on the eastern border. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/09.07.2026-baltic-air-policing-mission-switches-to-air-defence-mission.a654448/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:09:00 GMT 654448 NATO will reassign its longstanding Baltic air policing mission as an air defence mission, according to an agreement reached at a summit of NATO member states' leaders in the Turkish capital, Ankara, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/09.07.2026-latvian-border-guard-chief-migrant-smugglers-are-getting-aggressive.a654428/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:21:00 GMT 654428 Migrant smugglers have become more aggressive, and border guards are having to use increasingly aggressive methods to apprehend them, said Guntis Pujāts, commander of the State Border Guard (VRS), in an interview on the Latvian Radio programme “Good Morning” on July 9. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/08.07.2026-canada-to-increase-troop-numbers-in-latvia.a654412/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:41:00 GMT 654412 NATO's summit in Türkiye concluded on July 8th, with one of the outcomes being a commitment from Canada to increase the number of troops it has stationed in Latvia as part of NATO's collective defence posture. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/03.07.2026-latvian-businesses-urged-to-apply-for-eu-defence-funding.a653786/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:08:45 GMT 653786 The Latvian Ministry of Defence is inviting defence industry companies to prepare and submit applications for European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) funding in a timely manner. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/02.07.2026-enhanced-border-surveillance-extended-in-latvia.a653644/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:26:52 GMT 653644 The enhanced border security has been extended until December 31 of this year in Ludza Municipality, Krāslava Municipality, Augšdaugava Municipality, the city of Daugavpils, and Kaunata Parish in Rēzekne Municipality, as a large number of border violators continues to be observed along the Latvian–Belarusian border, the government decided on July 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/02.07.2026-latvias-electricity-network-deals-with-cyber-attacks-every-day.a653628/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:56:00 GMT 653628 Latvian electricity distribution system operator, Sadales tīkls, faces cyberattacks every day, said Sandis Jansons, chairman of the company's board, in an interview with Latvian Radio's Krustpunktā programme on July 2nd. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/01.07.2026-latvia-to-stock-up-on-food-for-crises.a653389/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:02:55 GMT 653389 To strengthen Latvia’s preparedness to provide food to its citizens in the event of a crisis or a threat to national security, the government on Tuesday, June 30, endorsed a report prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) on the allocation of nine million euros in funding to establish national food reserves. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/30.06.2026-military-handover-ceremony-takes-place-on-latvia-estonia-border.a653341/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:01:00 GMT 653341 A ceremony took place on Tuesday in the twin border cities of Valka (Latvia) and Valga (Estonia), to mark the 1st German–Dutch Corps (1GNC) taking over tactical command of the Estonian and Latvian armed forces. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/29.06.2026-drone-industry-develops-in-latvia.a653039/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:24:00 GMT 653039 Demand for unmanned technologies continues to grow not only in the military sector but also in the civilian sector. The drone industry in Latvia is developing autonomous systems for maritime, land-based, and even underwater applications and increasingly emphasising the need to train and prepare new drone pilots. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/26.06.2026-latvia-to-put-up-more-air-defence-systems.a652745/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:10:00 GMT 652745 The Ministry of Defence will deploy additional air defence systems in the near future, Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said following a meeting of the Military Council and a meeting with the heads of local governments in the eastern border region on June 25. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/19.06.2026-latvian-army-commander-promoted-to-highest-rank.a652169/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:31:00 GMT 652169 On June 18, President Edgars Rinkēvičs issued an order promoting Kaspars Pudāns, Commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS), to the rank of lieutenant general, according to a statement from the President’s Office. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/17.06.2026-france-to-buy-latvian-blaze-drone-interceptor-system.a651858/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:45:00 GMT 651858 France will become the fourth NATO member state in Europe to deploy the Blaze autonomous interceptor drone system developed by the Latvian defense technology company "Origin Robotics", according to the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) statement on June 17. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/17.06.2026-broadening-latvias-eastern-border-area-concept-a-possibility.a651786/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:48:00 GMT 651786 The air threat alerts received in May in several municipalities in Latvia's northern region, Vidzeme, are among the factors prompting the region to propose a broader definition of the concept of Latvia’s eastern border region, Latvian Radio reported on June 17. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/16.06.2026-national-guard-drone-training-upcoming-in-marupe-and-kekava.a651720/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:34:00 GMT 651720 From June 20 to 21, soldiers and guards of the 17th Combat Support Battalion of the 1st Riga Brigade of the National Guard will participate in unmanned aerial vehicle training in Daugmale parish, Ķekava municipality, in the vicinity of Lejas lake, and in the vicinity of Kaģi, in Mārupe municipality, according to information from the National Armed Forces (NBS).    https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/16.06.2026-latvia-and-usa-sign-drone-development-document-in-paris.a651651/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:13:00 GMT 651651 On Monday, June 15, during the international defence industry exhibition “Eurosatory 2026” in Paris, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Airis Rikveilis met with Deputy Secretary of the Army of the United States Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense, but now renamed by the Trump administration) Patrick Mason. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/16.06.2026-latvian-defence-minister-on-drones-well-shoot-them-down.a651628/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:17:00 GMT 651628 "We'll shoot them down!" said Latvia's new Defence Minister Raivis Melnis in an interview on the Latvian Television programme "Morning Panorama" on June 16 regarding the appropriate response if a drone were to enter Latvian airspace. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/15.06.2026-shards-found-in-latvia-possibly-related-to-drone-incident.a651562/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:51:00 GMT 651562 On Sunday, June 14, fragments of objects were found in Latgale that may be linked to the drone shot down in Latvian airspace a week ago. The fragments are still being analysed, according to the National Armed Forces (NBS). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/12.06.2026-wider-buffer-zone-planned-along-latvian-border.a651192/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:54:45 GMT 651192 To strengthen the security of the country’s borders and maintain its infrastructure, a 30-metre buffer zone is planned to be established along Latvia’s external land border. This is provided for in the urgent amendments to the Protective Zone Law, which were supported in the final reading by the Saeima on Thursday, June 11, as reported by the Saeima Press Service. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/11.06.2026-diaspora-youth-will-be-subject-to-obligatory-defence-service-in-latvia.a651028/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:32:00 GMT 651028 Starting next year, Latvian citizens living abroad will also be eligible for conscription into the mandatory State Defence Service. According to rough estimates, 1,000 young people in the UK could meet the requirements for national defence service next year; however, interest from the diaspora has been very low so far. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/10.06.2026-using-nato-jets-to-down-drones-not-a-long-term-solution-say-latvian-president-and-pm.a650951/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT 650951 The use of NATO fighter jets to protect Latvian airspace and shoot down foreign drones, which happened for the first time in Latvia on Monday, is not a long-term solution. Instead, the country should focus on developing and strengthening its air defence capabilities. This was stated by President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (Joint List) at their weekly press conference after a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, June 10th (video below). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/10.06.2026-latvian-and-polish-ammo-makers-to-cooperate.a650929/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:24:35 GMT 650929 Latvian ammunition manufacturer Ammunity said on June 10th it has started to cooperate with one of Poland’s most important defence companies. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/09.06.2026-latvia-and-ukraine-sign-defence-cooperation-agreement.a650748/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:34:00 GMT 650748 On June 9th, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers supported the Ministry of Defence's report "On the Agreement with Ukraine on Cooperation in the Field of Defense", which provides for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the next 10 years, with the possibility of a subsequent extension. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/09.06.2026-prototype-baltic-bunker-system-being-tested-in-latvia.a650732/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:32:02 GMT 650732 A prototype of the 'Baltic defence line' which is planned to be constructed along the borders of the Baltic states with Russia and Belarus is currently being constructed and tested at the Sēlija military training range in southern Latvia, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/09.06.2026-drone-search-will-likely-not-continue-in-latvia.a650701/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:51:11 GMT 650701 On Monday, the wreckage of the drone that was shot down in Latvian airspace was not found, as it most likely "broke into many small pieces," Māris Tūtins, head of the Information Analysis and Management Department of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces (NBS), told the Latvian Television programme Morning Panorama on June 9. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/09.06.2026-latvian-interceptor-drones-being-tested-for-use-on-eastern-border.a650684/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:39:00 GMT 650684 During the international military exercises "Baltic Zenith 2026" currently taking place at the Jūrmalciems military aviation training ground, Latvian-made interceptor drones are being tested. The Ministry of Defence says that such systems are planned to be deployed to defend the eastern border, Kurzeme Television reported on June 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/08.06.2026-drone-downing-shows-nato-willingness-to-defend-latvia-says-senior-soldier.a650645/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:10:00 GMT 650645 The first ever downing of a foreign drone in Latvian airspace on Monday, June 8th confirms the NATO alliance's determination to protect every centimetre of the country, Brigadier General Ilmārs Atis Lejiņš, Deputy Commander of NATO's Multinational Division "North", said on the Latvian Radio programme 'Krustpunktā' ('At the Crossroads'). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/08.06.2026-second-air-hazard-alert-in-eastern-latvia-is-now-over.a650570/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:29:00 GMT 650570 A second air threat alert in eastern Latvia on Monday is now over.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/08.06.2026-latvia-shows-off-new-hunter-military-vehicle.a650540/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:08:00 GMT 650540 A new infantry fighting vehicle named 'Hunter' was presented on Saturday at the Valmiera military vehicle factory Patria Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/08.06.2026-drone-shot-down-by-nato-jets-in-eastern-latvia.a650536/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:22:00 GMT 650536 The airspace threat that was announced in Latvia on Monday morning is over at around 10:30 in the morning, said the National Armed Forces (NBS). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/05.06.2026-look-out-for-low-flying-swedish-jets-on-saturday.a650261/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:10:34 GMT 650261 On Saturday, June 6, Sweden's National Day, Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets will perform a flyover over Latvia. They will be visible above Riga Castle and the Freedom Monument at around 13:45. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/05.06.2026-baltops-26-military-drills-happening-in-baltic-sea-region.a650249/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:31:36 GMT 650249 The annual international military exercise “BALTOPS 26” will take place in the Baltic Sea region, including Latvia, from June 4 to 19.   https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/05.06.2026-allied-troops-stationed-in-daugavpils-latvia.a650247/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:29:00 GMT 650247 The NATO Multinational Brigade has deployed troops in Daugavpils for the first time, expanding its presence beyond the Ādaži military base. In the future, allied forces are also planned to be deployed elsewhere in Latgale, thereby demonstrating NATO’s readiness to defend the entire territory of Latvia if necessary, according to the portal Sargs.lv. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/05.06.2026-latvian-security-service-publishes-new-russian-lawfare-report.a650233/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:06:00 GMT 650233 The Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB), one of Latvia's three security services, has published a new report titled "RUSSIA INTENSIFIES LAWFARE AGAINST THE WEST TO JUSTIFY MORE AGGRESSIVE ACTIVITIES". https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/03.06.2026-latvia-and-finland-to-team-up-on-new-military-vehicle.a649973/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:14:00 GMT 649973 Latvian and Finnish defence institutions have agreed to jointly begin work on the development of a new military vehicle system. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/03.06.2026-latvian-ammo-maker-ammunity-names-new-ceo.a649961/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:24:35 GMT 649961 Changes have been made in the management of Latvian ammunition manufacturer SIA Ammunity, it has been announced. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/03.06.2026-possible-air-threat-warning-in-aluksne-municipality-of-latvia-is-over.a647919/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:24:00 GMT 647919 The warning covering Alūksne municipality regarding a potential threat to airspace is over.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/02.06.2026-one-emergency-siren-did-not-work-in-tuesdays-test-in-latvia.a649767/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:58:18 GMT 649767 On Tuesday, June 2, during a nationwide test of the national early warning system, which involves activating emergency sirens and sending out cell broadcast alerts, one of the 160 sirens failed to work, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/01.06.2026-nato-diana-2027-applications-open.a649626/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:37:50 GMT 649626 On Monday, June 1, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (NATO DIANA) announced applications are open for its innovation programme in six specific areas. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/29.05.2026-joint-german-dutch-corps-to-take-leading-role-in-latvia-and-estonia.a649289/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 29 May 2026 10:07:00 GMT 649289 In coming weeks the 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) will assume the role of 'tactical headquarters' in NATO’s defence plans, taking over leadership on the alliance’s eastern flank – the region of Latvia and Estonia, according to information from the Latvian Ministry of Defence. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/29.05.2026-latvias-military-industry-has-boomed-but-still-developing.a649245/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 29 May 2026 06:21:00 GMT 649245 Although it has experienced a boom in recent years, Latvia’s defence sector remains relatively small. Only recently, with a significantly larger defence budget and the establishment of several new companies, has the sector’s turnover and exports begun to grow, according to a study by researchers at the University of Latvia, Latvian Radio reported on May 28. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/28.05.2026-more-anti-mobility-barriers-deployed-on-latvian-border.a649079/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 28 May 2026 05:26:00 GMT 649079 This month, the National Armed Forces (NBS) began deploying the first anti-mobility barriers, so-called dragon's teeth, on the expropriated territories along the Latvian-Russian border, LSM's Latgale editorial reports on May 28. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/27.05.2026-dutch-military-signs-up-to-use-latvian-drone-testing-range.a649019/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 27 May 2026 14:31:00 GMT 649019 For the second year in a row, industry, armed forces and policymakers from Latvia and elsewhere have been meeting at the Drone Summit in Rīga, where a memorandum on closer cooperation in the field of defence innovation, testing and training was signed with the Netherlands on Wednesday. It stipulates that the Dutch armed forces will use the new Sēlija military training ranges for military exercises. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/26.05.2026-low-altitude-flights-above-daugavpils-area-this-week.a648723/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 26 May 2026 05:38:49 GMT 648723 On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27, allied aircraft will be flying over Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava municipality, according to the 34th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Latgale Brigade of the National Guard. Increased noise levels are possible during this time. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/25.05.2026-second-drone-summit-taking-place-in-latvia-this-week.a648560/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 25 May 2026 07:47:00 GMT 648560 The keywords 'drones' and 'Latvia' are already generating plenty of search results on the internet at present, and that tendency will only increase this week with the Latvian capital, Rīga set to host a major 'Drone Summit' for only the second time. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/25.05.2026-latvian-army-commander-air-defence-mainly-protects-cities-critical-infrastructure.a648555/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 25 May 2026 07:18:00 GMT 648555 Latvia's air defence units are deployed principally with the idea of ​​protecting larger cities, so detection coverage is not the same everywhere and more incidents are possible like the one over the weekend, when an undetected drone crashed and exploded in Lake Drīdzis in Latgale, said the commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS) Kaspars Pudāns in an interview with Latvian Radio on Monday, May 25th.