The facility will be capable of producing up to 2,000 drones per day. The exact location of the plant has not been disclosed.

The first drones are expected to roll off the production line by the first half of 2026. Initial output will include first-person view and reconnaissance UAVs, as well as strike drones.

Security Through Growth

The Baltic countries have ramped up their surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities following increased airspace breaches due to Russian military activity.

In April, NATO members intercepted multiple Russian aircraft flying close to the Baltic Sea. At one point, airmen stationed in Poland escorted Russian planes three times in only two days.

To counter airspace disturbances, Latvian defense startup Origin Robotics unveiled BLAZE, an autonomous, AI-driven and

Latvian Startup Launches ‘BLAZE’ AI-Powered Counter-Drone System

Latvian defense startup Origin Robotics has introduced “BLAZE,” an autonomous, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven counter-drone system designed to target and neutralize fast-moving aerial threats.

BLAZE provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional gun-based air defense systems and costly missile interceptors.

With the launch of this technology, Origin Robotics aims to expand its role in the European and NATO defense markets as regional security challenges grow.

The company specifically highlighted the Ukrainian battlefield, where Russia can launch over 2,500 unmanned aerial vehicles per month, a scale of drone warfare that is reshaping military tactics and underscoring the need for advanced, affordable air defense solutions.

Features

BLAZE is a man-portable system integrating radar detection with AI-driven visual tracking to identify and lock onto targets autonomously.

Once the operator authorizes engagement, BLAZE destroys the target through direct impact or detonates a high-explosive fragmentation warhead near the selected threat.

The system allows the operator to retain final control, including issuing a wave-off command if needed, which can redirect the interceptor or trigger self-destruction.

Built for rapid deployment, it integrates a compact transport case that serves as a launch platform and charging unit, with a setup that requires no tools and can be completed in under 10 minutes.

Enhancing Defense Industry

In recent years, the Latvian government and local defense firms have played a key role in strengthening Riga’s military capabilities while actively supplying equipment to support Ukraine.

In March, the Baltic nation awarded contracts to local firms, including Origin Robotics, SAF Tehnika, and Frankenburg Technologies, to develop counter-drone systems for its armed forces.

That same month, Latvia began delivering 500 combat drones to Ukraine as part of an international coalition supporting Kyiv.

The initiative, led by Latvia and the UK and involving 17 countries, allocated $1.9 billion in 2024 to boost Ukraine’s military.

Latvia contributed $21.1 million in 2024 and plans to match the amount this year.

capable of neutralizing threats through direct impact.

Lithuania has also agreed to build a “drone wall” to defend its borders, collaborating with five other NATO members to use UAVs that will line up and stretch all the way from Norway to Poland.