Latvian citizens training with drones amid tensions with Russia
Latvian citizens are increasingly participating in drone training programs at the 'Drone House' amid heightened security concerns regarding Russia. The initiative aims to train 50,000 civilians to bolster national defense capabilities by leveraging expertise from Ukrainian soldiers.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing trend of civilian mobilization and defense preparedness in Baltic nations bordering Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Local residents are learning how to fly and operate drones at the centre, which includes a 2,500-square-metre indoor hall and a 10,000-square-metere outdoor training area.
While taking a break from the training, businesswoman Laura Pica said she believes Latvians have a responsibility to defend their country.
“Look what we see in Ukraine, if civil citizens would not help, then probably Ukraine would be occupied,” she told The Canadian Press inside the training centre. “This is why we need to help our country to strengthen their forces.”
Being Russia’s neighbour is like standing next to “a monkey juggling with grenades,” she said.
“You can never know when it falls down,” she added.
Pica’s concerns are widespread in the Baltic country. NATO shot down a drone loaded with explosives in eastern Latvia three days prior.
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