Ukrainian forces are set to receive another advanced maritime drone developed and donated by Latvia, according to LSM. The donation, organized by the charity platform Ziedot.lv, marks the second delivery of a Latvian-built naval drone to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Both drones were produced by the Latvian company NEWT21 and financed by public donations from residents and businesses.
Second Latvian naval drone headed to Ukraine
LSM says the newly sent uncrewed surface vehicle is designed for surveillance and combat operations in harsh battlefield conditions. Unlike the earlier catamaran-type model delivered last spring, this unit is more combat-oriented and capable of operating fully autonomously or under remote control. The drone has already completed a 100-kilometer sea test and is reportedly capable of traveling up to 700 kilometers.
Its carbon fiber body makes the device both lightweight and durable. Shaped like a small boat and equipped with cameras, the drone has been developed specifically for maritime use in wartime scenarios. It can also be used for non-military purposes such as aquatic research, according to NEWT21 head Jānis Garisons.
Although a demonstration at the Freeport of Riga was planned before shipment, it was canceled due to ice conditions at the boat launch site.
Latvian citizens and businesses funded the drone
More than €100,000 was collected for the production and delivery of the drone, Ziedot.lv head Rūta Dimanta said. Ukrainian personnel completed training on how to operate the drone at the end of last year. Dimanta emphasized the importance of this support not only for Ukraine’s defense but also for Latvia’s own national security. She noted ongoing maritime incidents in the Baltic Sea involving Russian vessels as a reason for investing in such technologies.
“This is already the second naval drone being sent to Ukraine with donated funds,” Dimanta said. “Firstly, Ukrainians can use our technology to defend their state. But no less important is the fact that Latvia has a long sea border, and we see that incidents keep occurring in the Baltic Sea. This means that it is also important for us to develop such technologies.”
In 2025, Ziedot.lv raised over €6 million in aid for Ukraine, including €4 million specifically for military support. Dimanta added that the organization plans to continue monthly deliveries of defense aid worth at least €100,000 throughout 2026.
