President of Latvia visits the Autonomous Systems Competence Center

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, visited the Autonomous Systems Competence Center to to learn more about its activities.

During the visit, the President met with the Head of the Centre, Major Modris Kairišs, and the Head of the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Alans Andrulis. He was briefed on the Centre’s objectives, tasks, and development направления, with particular focus on the role of unmanned systems in modern defence.

“In the current situation, where the threat posed by foreign unmanned aerial vehicles has already become a new reality at Latvia’s borders, strengthening all forms of air defence must be a priority,” said Edgars Rinkēvičs.

The Autonomous Systems Competence Center began operations in September 2025 and was established as a platform that brings together expertise in innovation, research, and procurement, ensuring a close link between the needs of the National Armed Forces and the development of modern technologies. Its main task is to equip the armed forces with air, land, and maritime drones, as well as to develop and test drone and counter-drone systems, while fostering cooperation with industry and international partners.

The Centre’s activities are aimed at strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities by introducing cutting-edge technologies and creating an environment that supports innovation and the involvement of local industry in developing defence solutions.