Latvia has announced plans to introduce drone piloting training into its civil defense education program, Delfi reported.
While civil defense classes have included theoretical instruction on drone capabilities for the past two years, the updated program will add hands-on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, allowing students to gain practical skills.
The initiative is linked to Latvia’s State Defense Concept, approved in October 2023, which made civil defense education mandatory in secondary schools.
The aim is to equip students with fundamental skills for responding to crisis and military-related situations, while promoting civic responsibility.
Classes are held once a month and last one full school day.
Program oversight and instructor training are managed by the Jaunsardze Center, which also supports youth defense initiatives.
The center organizes defense-focused educational camps, including drone operation training.
Focus on Drones
Latvia is expanding its focus on unmanned systems, including international cooperation, defense exports, and domestic investment.
Last year, Riga and the UK launched the Ukraine Drone Coalition, a multinational initiative to supply Ukraine with drones, spare parts, and technical expertise.
Moreover, Latvian-made drones are exported across Europe, with Belgium purchasing defensive loitering munitions last year to counter hostile UAVs.
The deal involves Origin Robotics’ autonomous “BLAZE” system, intended for counter-drone missions.
Additionally, in 2024, the Latvian government announced a 20-million-euro ($21.8 million) investment to develop a “drone army,” with funding split between procurement from local manufacturers and a mobile training and testing facility.
