A NATO ally is building automated defenses against Russia's drones to let fewer soldiers do more
Latvia is constructing an automated anti-drone defense system along its border with Russia to enhance security while minimizing the need for human personnel. The system uses sensors and autonomous interceptors, with humans only involved in the final decision to engage.
Why it matters
It represents a shift toward autonomous border defense strategies in response to regional geopolitical tensions.
Latvia is building a Ukraine-inspired automated wall of anti-drone defenses on its border with Russia. Nina Liashonok / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images Latvia is building an automated anti-drone wall along its border with Russia. Soldiers will make engagement decisions, leaving other tasks to be completed autonomously. The system aims to defend against cheap drones without relying on costly fighter jets and missiles. NATO member Latvia is building a wall of automated anti-drone defenses along its border with Russia, with human soldiers responsible only for deciding when and whether to fire. It aims to detect and neutralize "any drone which flies in," defense minister Raivis Melnis told Business Insider. And the goal, he explained, is to "build an autonomous system" that leverages the technology to "reduce the number of soldiers" required "to operate those systems."
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