NATO Range in Latvia Tests European Counter-Drone Systems

Demonstrations at NATO’s Sēlija testing range in central Latvia last week displayed mixed results for European counter-unmanned aerial systems. Several startup interceptors recorded hits on target drones, while others missed on initial attempts or failed to engage.

Maj. Modris Kairišs, head of Latvia’s Autonomous Systems Competence Center, said on May 26 that drone technology is “a couple of steps ahead” of countermeasures. He noted that interceptors must succeed every time, whereas a single attacking drone can cause damage.

100 hit its target on the first pass, missed on the second, and succeeded on the third. Origin Robotics’ Blaze interceptor, equipped with radar and computer-vision software, identified and struck a Temeso target drone. Eraser’s initial attempt with a slower drone version failed.

A later run with a faster version downed the target, though CEO Edgars Gauručs said he was too stressed to confirm whether the intercept occurred autonomously or manually. JetDrones and RDC Systems flew jet-powered and rocket-assisted interceptors but did not conduct live engagements during the event.

Latvia reported repeated incursions by Ukrainian drones believed diverted by Russian jamming last month. In response, the country is deploying mobile teams using Origin Robotics and Eraser interceptors along its eastern border. Maj. Gen. Andis Dilāns, undersecretary of state for logistics in Latvia’s Ministry of Defence, said the Sēlija range will allow NATO allies and industry to test systems and validate concepts.

Latvia signed a letter of intent with the Netherlands last week permitting Dutch forces to use the site. NATO is establishing five innovation ranges under its Rapid Adoption Action Plan, with Sēlija focused on unmanned systems and countermeasures. The goal is to reduce risk for governments purchasing new equipment by proving capabilities in controlled tests.