Cogs of War Lessons Learned and a Big Play on Drones from Latvia
Jul 14, 2025
Uģis Norītis, Latvia's Undersecretary of State for Planning at the Ministry of Defence, dives into the country's innovative defense strategy. He discusses how Latvia leverages battlefront experiences from Ukraine to enhance its drone industry. Listeners will be intrigued by Latvia's unique collaborative approach to defense, which emphasizes local production and international partnerships. The podcast explores how established testing ranges facilitate real-time drone evaluations and foster innovation, setting the stage for a robust future in military technology.
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Integrated Defense Portfolio Advantage
- Latvia combines defense planning, resource management, and industry innovation under one official.
- This holistic approach allows better integration and control across related defense domains.
Localize Through Procurement Contracts
- Use procurement contracts to localize production and technology transfer.
- This supports army supply security and strengthens Latvia's technological base.
Patria's Success in Latvia
- Finnish company Patria assembles armored personnel carriers in Latvia.
- Over 10 local companies produce components, completing vehicles domestically, including future deliveries to Ukraine.