These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) in their ongoing conflict with Russia.
Latvia's Commitment to Training
Training Ukrainian Soldiers: Latvia has been actively involved in training Ukrainian soldiers, with around 4,000 soldiers trained last year alone. Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced that Latvia plans to train a similar number of soldiers this year.
Drone Operator Training: In addition to general military training, Latvia is now implementing a specialized program to train Ukrainian drone operators. This initiative reflects the increasing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare, especially in surveillance and combat roles.
Lithuania's UAV Procurement
Large-Scale Drone Purchase: Lithuania is taking significant steps to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities by purchasing nearly 7,500 drones. Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurinas Kaschyunas highlighted that all the drones are locally produced.
Transfer to Ukraine: A portion of these drones will be delivered to Ukraine's Armed Forces by September. This move is part of Lithuania's ongoing commitment to support Ukraine's defense efforts against Russian aggression.
These actions by Latvia and Lithuania underscore the deepening military cooperation between Ukraine and its Baltic allies, focusing on enhancing Ukraine's technological and operational capabilities in the war. The provision of drones and training for operators will be crucial in maintaining an edge on the battlefield.
