➡️ After a joint assessment with the NBS, the company started purchasing interceptor drone warheads from Poland. The first delivery was made in April. In May, during the Drone Summit demonstrations in Sēlija, an NBS operator successfully shot down an air target using an interceptor drone with the delivered warhead. ➡️ My task at the NBS was clear – to purchase, equip, and deploy the equipped systems as quickly as possible on the border. In April, a long-term agreement was also reached with “Origin Robotics” for the purchase of several hundred interceptor drones.
➡️ The first 10 interceptor drones were received in December for further testing with explosives that were in the possession of the NBS. Ukrainian experience was used to make the interceptor drones deployable as quickly as possible. Successful trials took place in February. ➡️ In March, the NBS together with VALIC received my task to promptly carry out all necessary preparatory work in cooperation with the commercial operator so that 'Origin Robotics' systems could be deployed on the border.
➡️ The first 10 interceptor drones were received in December for further testing with explosives that were in the possession of the NBS. Ukrainian experience was used to make the interceptor drones deployable as quickly as possible. Successful trials took place in February. ➡️ In March, the NBS together with VALIC received my task to promptly carry out all necessary preparatory work in cooperation with the commercial operator so that 'Origin Robotics' systems could be deployed on the border.
More on the chronology: ➡️ In February 2025, on my initiative, we signed an agreement with the Latvian company “Origin Robotics” for the development of interceptor drones. ➡️ Already in October 2025, interceptor drone tests took place at the Sēlija training ground. After them, agreements were signed with two Latvian companies. With “Origin Robotics” for the purchase of 48 interceptor drones.
More on the chronology: ➡️ In February 2025, on my initiative, we signed an agreement with the Latvian company “Origin Robotics” for the development of interceptor drones. ➡️ Already in October 2025, interceptor drone tests took place at the Sēlija training ground. After them, agreements were signed with two Latvian companies. With “Origin Robotics” for the purchase of 48 interceptor drones.
Kulbergs' misinformation about 'forgetting' is being replaced with a half-truth about explosives. Overall, such a pre-election campaign, dragging Latvia's defense sector into it, is irresponsible. I express deep regret about that. But about the substance. If I had acted more simply, then Latvia might not have so rapidly developed innovative technologies that will protect our country, and which we can now also sell to our partners worldwide. That is exactly what the story is about when I speak of Latvia as a drone great power. What someone has called empty talk – these are weapon systems made in Latvia that will now protect our airspace. The agreement to support the development of 'Origin Robotics' counter-drone systems and the planned deployment on the border was my initiative, which strengthens both Latvia's drone and counter-drone industry and Latvia's airspace. Did everyone support it? Initially certainly not. Were there discussions about how to properly implement these new (!) systems? Of course! But this was a 100% correct decision, for which I can answer. The development, testing, and implementation of new systems always takes time. But nothing was 'forgotten' here – tasks were given to find the best solutions so that the systems would be combat-ready, and such a solution was found, with the first warhead deliveries starting in April.
Kulbergs' misinformation about 'forgetting' is being replaced with a half-truth about explosives. Overall, such a pre-election campaign, dragging Latvia's defense sector into it, is irresponsible. I express deep regret about that. But about the substance. If I had acted more simply, then Latvia might not have so rapidly developed innovative technologies that will protect our country, and which we can now also sell to our partners worldwide. That is exactly what the story is about when I speak of Latvia as a drone great power. What someone has called empty talk – these are weapon systems made in Latvia that will now protect our airspace. The agreement to support the development of 'Origin Robotics' counter-drone systems and the planned deployment on the border was my initiative, which strengthens both Latvia's drone and counter-drone industry and Latvia's airspace. Did everyone support it? Initially certainly not. Were there discussions about how to properly implement these new (!) systems? Of course! But this was a 100% correct decision, for which I can answer. The development, testing, and implementation of new systems always takes time. But nothing was 'forgotten' here – tasks were given to find the best solutions so that the systems would be combat-ready, and such a solution was found, with the first warhead deliveries starting in April.
APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS - Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija · Ministru prezidents
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I recommend watching the segment about RailBaltica; in September the government will have to make decisions about what to do next with the project https://t.co/9OWH11Zuic
This cannot go on like this: every month the population falls by about 1,000 (because deaths outnumber births by 2 to 1), while the national debt increases by on average about €200 million per month. Parents must be given the right to vote on behalf of their minor children - the electoral system must be changed. https://t.co/UMFljpDDmZ
The number of births in the first half of the year has decreased by 4.5% compared to the same period last year. Recently, fewer than a thousand are born each month. In 2026, only about 11.5 thousand will be born in total. https://t.co/g7YHYocoli
At the time when @EvikaSilina was performing the duties of minister at @AizsardzibasMin, real action began on the acquisition of warheads for interceptor drones. The current Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis continues work to ensure interceptor drones are combat-ready. Former Minister of Defence @AndrisSpruds did not timely ensure equipping interceptor drones with warheads. https://t.co/myaFzRDAqo
At the time when @EvikaSilina was performing the duties of minister at @AizsardzibasMin, real action began on the acquisition of warheads for interceptor drones. The current Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis continues work to ensure interceptor drones are combat-ready. Former Minister of Defence @AndrisSpruds did not timely ensure equipping interceptor drones with warheads. https://t.co/myaFzRDAqo
End of the film. And https://t.co/eZZUjWWs5U will again vote for the same ones and say that demographics are a problem all over the world. Only Latvia is the worst of all and we are the smallest nation.. That is why - this is deliberate self-destruction on live broadcast. Maybe something needs to be changed? MMN
There is no environmental threat in Rēzekne at the oil base where a drone fell. However, drones flying over Latvia, endangering residents and critical infrastructure, are unacceptable. We must learn from every incident and the Ministry of Defence must find a real way to protect Latvia's residents.
Ivars @Ijabs: Freedom of science and investments are the key to Latvia's future. 🎾 “Latvijas attīstībai” is for investments in science, for Latvia's development. That is why on October 3, vote for list 11. https://t.co/GH1s52mzn3
“It is unimaginable stupidity to make soldiers themselves manually fill explosives into drones.” I will allow myself to disagree with @AndrisKulbergs - this is not STUPIDITY, IT IS A CRIME!! Soldiers can fill explosives into drone warheads only in extreme necessity, in WAR conditions! P.S. Unrelated. Before taking up ministerial office, @AndrisSpruds as an “academic teaching staff member” had gone to RUSSIA to participate in umpteen various Gazprom-paid and FSB-supervised “conferences”. IS IT STILL NOT UNDERSTOOD????
Real action on procuring warheads for interceptor drones began when @EvikaSilina was performing the duties of defense minister – Raivis Melnis continued what was started. https://t.co/jNBJK4QuF7
APVIENOTAIS SARAKSTS - Latvijas Zaļā partija, Latvijas Reģionu Apvienība, Liepājas partija · Biedrības 'Latvijas restarts' biedrs
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I cannot agree with you. I have been on his team relatively recently and I see that currently, when touching any issue where one has to think about reviewing financial spending, it is turned into a scandal in the public space. So how can one change anything without changes?😅
@CerinsAivis I am not one of those who expect a 'bowl of porridge' from the government and reforms for the sake of reforms. I expect a vision, a plan, implementation. Kulbergs only looks for scandals, Riga Heat, RailBaltic, NGOs, drones. Yes, there are big problems, but where are there not? Where are the solutions?
I bet @DagnijaNeimane and her other colleagues @lsmlv will do everything possible so that the sabotage carried out by @AndrisSpruds against @AizsardzibasMin is covered as little as possible in the public media! Even @TVNET_zinas tries to honestly cover the activities of a Russian influence agent, but not LSM!! P.S. If you are journalists at all, ask Sprūds in writing to inform you how many and which “conferences” in RUSSIA he has attended during his “academic” career and for what money....
The boss of the Unity Saeima faction Jurēvics said he is ready to personally guarantee a 30 million euro loan for AirBaltic! Well, Jurēvics, when will you give back the 30 million euros to the state and taxpayers that AirBaltic swallowed, paying for the loan taken during Siliņa's time, where AirBaltic already has to pay 16.5% interest per year on the bonds, which amounts to more than 50 million euros in interest payments per year!
Jaunā konservatīvā partija · JKP līdzpriekšsēdētājs, Jelgavas vicemērs
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@grok@Aigars1972@LapinsGirts However, later Rungainis said that the mention of Superjet was altogether a public feint to divert attention from the real deal. Was that so, @grok?
Yes, in 2015 (after the occupation of Crimea) the airBaltic board, where Briškens was deputy chairman, approved a plan for the possible purchase of Sukhoi Superjet and a Russia-linked investor. The government halted it. Briškens himself publicly said in November that no legally binding decision on the Superjet had been made.