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Opening of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center in Riga

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

09/01/2025 - 12:45
In Latvia
Information prepared by Media Relations Section

On Wednesday, September 3, A6 Logistics Park, Riga Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Sprūds will inaugurate the Autonomous Systems Competence Center. The new center will serve as a national platform for the development and integration of drone technologies within the Latvian National Armed Forces.

The opening ceremony will feature remarks by the Minister of Defence of Latvia A. Sprūds, the Commander of the National Armed Forces, Major General Kaspars Pudāns, the Head of The State Centre for Defence Logistics and

Procurement, Lieutenant Colonel Alans Andrulis, and the Head of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center, Major Modris Kairišs. Representatives of defence industry associations, sector experts, and invited guests will also attend.

The opening event of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center will also feature the opportunity to view drone and autonomous systems technologies from defence industry entrepreneurs.

The center will oversee the development of air, land, and maritime drones, as well as counter-drone solutions. It will be led by Major Modris Kairišs, one of Latvia's foremost military drone specialists and former Commander of the Air Force Training Center.

Its core mission will be to ensure the continuity of drone system and component supplies for the National Armed Forces in times of crisis, support Latvian companies in developing drones tailored to military operational needs, foster a favorable environment for drone system manufacturers, and promote innovation and industry cooperation.

In addition, the center will assist the National Armed Forces with drone integration, maintenance, and training; provide a dedicated testing environment for drone and counter-drone systems; deliver expertise and analysis on drone use; and enhance international cooperation through joint projects.

The activities of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center will be coordinated by the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Center, which combines expertise in innovation, research, and procurement to bridge the operational needs of the armed forces with the development and deployment of new technologies.

The Minister of Defence announced the creation of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center this spring during the international Drone Summit.