A new boost for innovation and defence - the Autonomous Systems Competence Center has been opened
On Wednesday, 3 September 2025, the Minister of Defence of Latvia, Andris Sprūds, inaugurated the Autonomous Systems Competence Center. The new centre was established as a national platform for the development and integration of drone technologies within the Latvian National Armed Forces.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds, Commander of the National Armed Forces Major General Kaspars Pudāns, Head of the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre Lieutenant Colonel Alans Andrulis, and Head of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center Major Modris Kairišs. Representatives of defence industry associations, sector experts, and invited guests also attended the event.
Guests at the opening had the opportunity to view drone and autonomous systems technologies presented by defence industry companies.
The centre will be tasked with overseeing the development of air, land, and maritime drones, as well as counter-drone solutions. It is led by Major Modris Kairišs, one of Latvia’s leading military drone specialists and former Commander of the Air Force Training Center.
Its core mission is to ensure the continuity of drone systems 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 favourable environment for drone system manufacturers, and promote innovation and industry cooperation.
In addition, the centre will provide support to the National Armed Forces in drone integration, maintenance, and training, will offer a dedicated testing environment for drone and counter-drone systems; and will deliver expertise and analysis on the use of drones.
The activities of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center are coordinated by the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre, which brings together expertise in innovation, research, and procurement to bridge operational military needs with the development and deployment of new technologies.
Lieutenant Colonel Alans Andrulis highlighted the broader significance of the initiative in his remarks:
“The establishment of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center is a significant step in Latvia’s security and technological development - it is a platform that brings together knowledge, innovation, and close cooperation with industry to deliver the solutions required by the armed forces. It demonstrates that our country not only has ambition, but also the readiness to become a centre of competence and excellence, strengthening defence capabilities, promoting economic growth, and contributing to Latvia’s long-term security,” said Lieutenant Colonel Alans Andrulis.
The establishment of the Autonomous Systems Competence Center had been announced earlier in the spring by the Minister of Defence during the international Drone Summit.