Latvia is taking significant steps to enhance its border security by increasing anti-drone defenses along its borders with Russia and Belarus. This move comes in response to recent incidents where drones have entered the NATO member’s airspace, raising concerns about regional security.

According to Modris Kairiss, head of the Latvian Army Autonomous Systems Competence Centre, the country plans to deploy drone interceptor teams within the next two weeks. These teams, consisting of up to four soldiers in rugged terrain vehicles, will operate killer drones capable of destroying incoming military drones within a 10-kilometer radius.

The decision to strengthen defenses follows several incidents involving drones. On May 7, two drones exploded at an empty oil storage facility in Latvia, and another drone exploded into a lake on a subsequent Saturday. These incidents have heightened tensions, particularly as Ukraine has reported that Russian jamming of their drones’ signals has caused them to stray off course.

Challenges for NATO

The growing use of drones presents a significant challenge for NATO countries, including Latvia. Kairiss noted that taking down military drones during peacetime is complicated due to the classified nature of radar data in NATO countries. This makes sharing information with soldiers tasked with destroying drones cumbersome.

Furthermore, the increasing use of small drones poses additional challenges. Kairiss highlighted that these smaller drones are difficult to detect and intercept, representing a significant hurdle for current anti-drone systems.

As Latvia continues to address these challenges, the balance between enhancing border security and managing army resources remains a critical consideration. The number of interceptor teams patrolling the 400-kilometer border with Russia and Belarus is classified, but Kairiss emphasized the need to increase their numbers while balancing other military needs.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.