I want to thank the industry and the armed forces. To all patriots. I am resigning from the ministerial post with clear conviction: Latvia, the Latvian army and our national security are the responsibility of us all. Our Latvia, our responsibility.
Today I have decided to resign from the post of Minister of Defense in order to protect the Latvian army from being drawn into a political campaign.
In recent days and weeks, we have experienced drone incidents in Latvia and other countries. Foreign drones must not threaten the safety of our people. The defense sector has done a lot and will continue to do so to strengthen our air defense capabilities. And the safety of our people is the responsibility of services across various sectors. The development of the defense sector is my political responsibility. And now my political responsibility is to prevent our armed forces from being drawn into a political campaign.
I am not doing this because I have stopped believing in what we do in the defense sector. Quite the contrary. Latvia's defense capabilities are at a high level. Is there still much work to be done? Yes. But the Latvian army, together with allies, is ready today to defend Latvia.
I am resigning because our armed forces and the state's defense capabilities are more important than any minister's post or any party's interests.
Unfortunately, it is visible that this situation is no longer being used only to criticize the minister or his party. It is being used to question Latvia's defense capabilities, to cast doubt on the readiness of the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces – the Latvian patriots who work daily for Latvia's security.
This is not acceptable to me.
I will not allow a political campaign against me or against the Progressives to be turned into a campaign against the Latvian army.
In recent weeks, we see a very wide and targeted campaign against the Progressives. It happens on various fronts and in various formats. And the reason is simple – the Progressives do not fit into the old party system. With the Progressives, one cannot negotiate things the old way. At the Progressives, there are no politically arranged procurements. There is no division of millions among its own. At our place, decisions, influence, or silence cannot be bought. Neither in catering competitions nor in the million-dollar wood industry affairs.
And many do not benefit from that.
We see how very different political and economic forces, which otherwise supposedly have nothing in common, suddenly find a common language – from nationalists to Shlesers' supporters, from the business interests of old politics to those who are already openly paving the way for the next populist government. These are the politicians of ZZS, the United List, the National Alliance, and Shlesers' party, who in various combinations have been in power in Latvia for the last 20 years.
And in this context, the actions of the New Unity raise questions.
I understand concerns about ratings. I understand political pressure. But at a time when a party that calls itself a statesmanlike force starts playing on the same team with those who are preparing the next Shlesers and populist government, that is short-sighted and unstatesmanlike conduct.
It becomes especially dangerous when, in the name of these political games, Latvia's defense capabilities and the professionalism of our armed forces are questioned.
I want to say very clearly: The Latvian army is strong. The Latvian armed forces are professional. Latvia's defense sector works. And no political force has the right to undermine trust in national defense because of its campaign.
It is time for New Unity to look at itself as well. One cannot turn every problem in the country into someone else's fault. One cannot always look for culprits outside oneself. One cannot be at the center of power for years and at the same time pretend that others are only responsible for the system's problems. New Unity has 26 deputies in the Saeima and eight ministers in the government, including the prime minister and the finance minister. It is the largest government party. Therefore, one cannot simultaneously claim political control over the entire government and at the same time avoid responsibility for what is happening in the country.
In the government and in politics, there must also be responsibility for oneself, for one's own decisions, and for the political culture that is being created in the country.
I will continue to work in the Saeima. I will continue to defend the principles I have stood for all my professional life – as an academic, as an expert, as a politician, and as a minister. Responsibly and purposefully.
Today I have decided to resign from the post of Minister of Defense in order to protect the Latvian army from being drawn into a political campaign.
In recent days and weeks, we have experienced drone incidents in Latvia and other countries. Foreign drones must not threaten the safety of our people. The defense sector has done a lot and will continue to do so to strengthen our air defense capabilities. And the safety of our people is the responsibility of services across various sectors. The development of the defense sector is my political responsibility. And now my political responsibility is to prevent our armed forces from being drawn into a political campaign.
I am not doing this because I have stopped believing in what we do in the defense sector. Quite the contrary. Latvia's defense capabilities are at a high level. Is there still much work to be done? Yes. But the Latvian army, together with allies, is ready today to defend Latvia.
I am resigning because our armed forces and the state's defense capabilities are more important than any minister's post or any party's interests.
Unfortunately, it is visible that this situation is no longer being used only to criticize the minister or his party. It is being used to question Latvia's defense capabilities, to cast doubt on the readiness of the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces – the Latvian patriots who work daily for Latvia's security.
This is not acceptable to me.
I will not allow a political campaign against me or against the Progressives to be turned into a campaign against the Latvian army.
In recent weeks, we see a very wide and targeted campaign against the Progressives. It happens on various fronts and in various formats. And the reason is simple – the Progressives do not fit into the old party system. With the Progressives, one cannot negotiate things the old way. At the Progressives, there are no politically arranged procurements. There is no division of millions among its own. At our place, decisions, influence, or silence cannot be bought. Neither in catering competitions nor in the million-dollar wood industry affairs.
And many do not benefit from that.
We see how very different political and economic forces, which otherwise supposedly have nothing in common, suddenly find a common language – from nationalists to Shlesers' supporters, from the business interests of old politics to those who are already openly paving the way for the next populist government. These are the politicians of ZZS, the United List, the National Alliance, and Shlesers' party, who in various combinations have been in power in Latvia for the last 20 years.
And in this context, the actions of the New Unity raise questions.
I understand concerns about ratings. I understand political pressure. But at a time when a party that calls itself a statesmanlike force starts playing on the same team with those who are preparing the next Shlesers and populist government, that is short-sighted and unstatesmanlike conduct.
It becomes especially dangerous when, in the name of these political games, Latvia's defense capabilities and the professionalism of our armed forces are questioned.
I want to say very clearly: The Latvian army is strong. The Latvian armed forces are professional. Latvia's defense sector works. And no political force has the right to undermine trust in national defense because of its campaign.
It is time for New Unity to look at itself as well. One cannot turn every problem in the country into someone else's fault. One cannot always look for culprits outside oneself. One cannot be at the center of power for years and at the same time pretend that others are only responsible for the system's problems. New Unity has 26 deputies in the Saeima and eight ministers in the government, including the prime minister and the finance minister. It is the largest government party. Therefore, one cannot simultaneously claim political control over the entire government and at the same time avoid responsibility for what is happening in the country.
In the government and in politics, there must also be responsibility for oneself, for one's own decisions, and for the political culture that is being created in the country.
I will continue to work in the Saeima. I will continue to defend the principles I have stood for all my professional life – as an academic, as an expert, as a politician, and as a minister. Responsibly and purposefully.
Defense Minister Andris Sprūds has lost my and the public's trust. I have decided to demand the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds. The defense sector must henceforth be led by a professional. Today I have informed the minister and coalition partners of this decision. The drone incident this week clearly showed that the political leadership of the defense sector has not been able to fulfill the promise of safe skies over our country. Society has entrusted the sector with historically the largest funding – almost 5% of GDP. That is a huge responsibility that demands clear results. I believe the sector needs a new, professional approach. I have invited Colonel Raivis Melnis to assume the position of Defense Minister, and he has agreed. His experience in the National Armed Forces, military education in London, and current work in Ukraine give confidence that national defense will be managed competently, purposefully, and outside pre-election rhetoric. The security of our country and our people stands above politics.
🔴 Defense Minister Andris Sprūds („Progresīvie”) announces resignation from office. „I am resigning as defense minister to protect the Latvian army from being drawn into politics in the campaign,” Sprūds said. https://t.co/77ZMAfaJbC
🔴 Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (JV) demands the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds („Progresīvie”). The Prime Minister has informed the minister and coalition partners of this decision. https://t.co/KGIKA1r5hN
🔴 Live! A press conference by Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) is taking place at the Ministry of Defence. 🖥️ The live stream of the press conference can be watched here: https://t.co/kXsKtWbCRWhttps://t.co/yhhHt89l2n
🎯 ASKC task: 🔹 provide NBS with air, sea and land drones 🔹 develop drone introduction and training 🔹 test drone and anti-drone systems 🔹 strengthen international cooperation and joint projects
🇱🇻 Latvia accelerates drone innovation development
The newly established Autonomous Systems Competence Center (ASKC), which started operating in September 2025, already occupies an important place in Latvia's and allies' drone ecosystem.
🛠 In 2026, 3 million EUR will be invested in the center's development and equipment, creating prototyping and test laboratories to develop high-class services for Latvia's and foreign defense industry.
📈 Within the innovation reform, by 2029 we plan to invest significant amounts in the center's capability development, strengthening Latvia as one of Europe's autonomous systems and drone innovation centers.
🇱🇻 Latvia accelerates drone innovation development
The newly established Autonomous Systems Competence Center (ASKC), which started operating in September 2025, already occupies an important place in Latvia's and allies' drone ecosystem.
🛠 In 2026, 3 million EUR will be invested in the center's development and equipment, creating prototyping and test laboratories to develop high-class services for Latvia's and foreign defense industry.
📈 Within the innovation reform, by 2029 we plan to invest significant amounts in the center's capability development, strengthening Latvia as one of Europe's autonomous systems and drone innovation centers.
🇱🇻 Latvia continues to strengthen defense innovation. Soon we will announce new research and development projects. We will continue the successful cooperation model with industry started a year ago – R&D projects within which various counter-drone innovation projects have been developed. Focus of the next projects: ✅ drone detection ✅ guided munitions ✅ alternative navigation ✅ drone communications and swarm technologies ✅ drone engines ✅ mass drone production with maximum localization in Latvia #LatvijaVar
Jaunā VIENOTĪBA · Juridiskās komisijas priekšsēdētājs
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I wish you a happy Europe Day! 22 years ago Latvia became an EU member state, affirming its choice in favor of democracy, freedom, and close cooperation with European countries. May this day remind us of our place in Europe and our shared responsibility for a safe, free, and strong future. https://t.co/K6zTCxGjZL
🔶️ @RaivisZeltits on the strategic importance of Rail Baltica and the unacceptable incompetence in megaproject management. 🎙 Krustpunktā - Latvian Radio 1 https://t.co/tcoumXoKS8
🇱🇻 We are building multi-layered air defence – from sensors to missiles. (10/10)
By 2030, the NBS will have seven PGA combat groups with short- and medium-range defence capabilities, integrating radars, electronic warfare, command and control, and interceptors.
We are strengthening capabilities with new RBS-70 NG systems, Giraffe 1X radars, IRIS-T SLM medium-range systems and the MEROPS AS3 interceptor systems proven in Ukraine.
🇱🇻🤝🇸🇪🤝🇩🇪
🇱🇻 From reaction to action (1/10)
What has been done in air defence since the Gaigalava drone incident on 7 September 2024.
Since September 2024, NBS soldiers' mobile groups have been on the Belarus border 24/7.
Units are in constant readiness to shoot down drones with RBS 70 missile systems.
From 21 April 2026, the operation has been expanded along the entire external border with Belarus and Russia.
Archive photo @Latvijas_armija#WeAreNATO#StrongerTogether#SargājamLatvijuKopā
🇱🇻🤝🇵🇱 With SAFE funding support, Latvia, together with a Polish company, is moving toward the acquisition of PIORUN MANPAD systems to strengthen NBS PGA capabilities. (9/10)
🇱🇻 From reaction to action (1/10)
What has been done in air defense since the Gaigalava drone incident on September 7, 2024.
Since September 2024, NBS soldiers' mobile groups have been at the Belarusian border 24/7.
Units are in constant readiness to shoot down drones with RBS 70 missile systems.
From April 21, 2026, the operation has been extended along the entire external border with Belarus and Russia.
Archive photo @Latvijas_armija#WeAreNATO#StrongerTogether#SargājamLatvijuKopā
🇱🇻🤝🇺🇸 Latvia-US partnership strengthens our air defense. (8/10)
Within the US initiative, the NBS is already receiving and will receive in the coming years modern air defense capabilities: electronic warfare systems, various radars, command and control systems, communication systems.
Additionally – acceptance received from the US to equip our helicopters with machine guns, which can also be used to shoot down air targets.
We are strengthening Latvia's ability to detect, coordinate and neutralize air threats.
🇱🇻 From reaction to action (1/10)
What has been done in air defense since the Gaigalava drone incident on September 7, 2024.
Since September 2024, mobile groups of NBS soldiers have been located on the Belarus border 24/7.
Units are on permanent readiness to shoot down drones with RBS 70 missile systems.
From April 21, 2026, the operation has been expanded along the entire external border with Belarus and Russia.
Archive photo @Latvijas_armija#WeAreNATO#StrongerTogether#SargājamLatvijuKopā
🇱🇻 Next step for Latvia's security – our own developed counter-drone technologies. (7/10)
Research and development project contracts signed a year ago with Latvian defense industry companies are developing next-generation counter-drone capabilities for the needs of @Latvijas_armija.
Together with Origin Robotics, SAF Tehnika, Frankenburg Technologies, WeMPS we are developing drone interceptors, electronic warfare solutions, guided missiles and adapting existing weapons to combat air threats.
https://t.co/tmkm6ayykq
🇱🇻 From reaction to action (1/10)
What has been done in air defense since the Gaigalava drone incident on September 7, 2024.
Since September 2024, NBS soldiers' mobile groups have been on the Belarusian border in 24/7 mode.
Units are in constant readiness to shoot down drones with RBS 70 missile systems.
From April 21, 2026, the operation has been expanded along the entire external border with Belarus and Russia.
Archive photo @Latvijas_armija#WeAreNATO#StrongerTogether#SargājamLatvijuKopā
🇱🇻 The first #NATO country with an acoustic drone detection system along the entire eastern border. (6/10)
An acoustic drone detection system has been deployed along Latvia's eastern border, strengthening early warning and the ability to quickly identify air threats.
Continuous situational awareness – day and night.
🇱🇻 From reaction to action (1/10)
What has been done in air defense since the Gaigalava drone incident on September 7, 2024.
Since September 2024, mobile groups of NBS soldiers have been stationed on the Belarus border 24/7.
Units are on permanent readiness to shoot down drones with RBS 70 missile systems.
From April 21, 2026, the operation has been expanded along the entire external border with Belarus and Russia.
Archive photo @Latvijas_armija#WeAreNATO#StrongerTogether#SargājamLatvijuKopā
🇱🇻 Latvia's counter-drone capabilities are becoming increasingly stronger. (5/10)
This year @Latvijas_armija received the first Latvian-made Origin Robotics interceptor drones, and the first NBS soldiers have already mastered their operation.
In the coming weeks, NBS will integrate these interceptor drones into its work at the border.
Also arriving are ERASER (LV) and the widely used in Ukraine MEROPS interceptor drones.
🇱🇻 From reaction to action (1/10)
What has been done in air defense since the Gaigalava drone incident on September 7, 2024.
Since September 2024, mobile groups of NBS soldiers have been stationed 24/7 on the Belarusian border.
Units are in constant readiness to shoot down drones with RBS 70 missile systems.
From April 21, 2026, the operation has been expanded along the entire external border with Belarus and Russia.
Archive photo @Latvijas_armija#WeAreNATO#StrongerTogether#SargājamLatvijuKopā
Nacionālā apvienība "Visu Latvijai!"-"Tēvzemei un Brīvībai/LNNK" · Izglītības un zinātnes ministre
Tweet
Latvia's economy does not need to be postponed for another four years. The government has been unable to agree on a human capital development strategy for three years; we are losing time. Prosperity arises from a smart economy, quality education, and work for which people receive decent pay https://t.co/jk59i1Zrr2