This year, at DSEI in London, the most internationally significant defence and security equipment exhibition, the largest Latvian pavilion in history has been created – with Latvian drones in the spotlight.
DAIF Latvija has been organising the Latvian pavilion and a delegation of companies since 2015 for participation in "DSEI", one of the world's largest and most important defence and security industry exhibitions, which this year will take place from 9 to 12 September in London, Great Britain. Latvia will be represented at the exhibition by the largest number of participants in its history, with drone manufacturers extensively represented. The delegation of Latvian companies will present aerial, ground, surface and underwater drones as well as counter-drone systems, and, as part of the exhibition, the Latvian company "VicTec" will stage water drone demonstration shows on the Thames. At the Latvian delegation's stand, entrepreneurs will likewise present a range of products essential to the security and defence sector, including tactical clothing, optical and training equipment, chemical, logistics and pyrotechnic solutions, and metalworking products.
Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds: "I am convinced that Latvian companies will clearly demonstrate Latvia's ambitions and capabilities in the security and defence sector, highlighting Latvia in particular as the region's leader in the development of drone technology on an international scale. Latvia is capable of ensuring high-quality, large-volume drone manufacturing and supply to both Ukraine and NATO."
It is important to bear in mind that Latvia and Great Britain share a long history of trade and industrial cooperation stretching back centuries. This year DAIF Latvija marks ten years since it first took part in DSEI and a decade of cooperation with the United Kingdom's most prominent trade association – ADS Group, which advances the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. DAIF Latvija and ADS Group facilitate cooperation between companies, the exchange of information, networking and the delivery of international projects, working within joint EU- and NATO-level initiatives.
Structured cooperation between the defence industries began in 2015, when CRVT90 armoured personnel carriers entered service with the Latvian land forces. DAIF Latvija associate member RBSL (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land) gave Latvian companies considerable initial experience in modernising and maintaining these vehicles. Bilateral meetings and joint initiatives continue to foster cooperation in border guarding and public order, as well as in cybersecurity simulation and modelling activities. Since last year, cooperation in the field of drones has developed intensively, including a growing need for jointly developed counter-drone systems.
The DSEI exhibition will bring together more than 2 800 companies and thousands of international visitors, including representatives of governments, armed forces and security institutions. The exhibition will also be attended by a large delegation from the Latvian Security and Defence Industries cooperation network – DefNet. The presence of the Latvian delegation will give Latvian companies the opportunity to build cooperation with world-class partners, investors and the relevant army units and security institutions of various countries, while at the same time strengthening Latvia's reputation as a centre of security and innovation.
A number of innovative Latvian companies will be represented at DSEI 2025:
· BELSS & ERASER is a broad-profile company and the largest provider of defence communications in Latvia, operating since 1994. The company has embarked on a new direction of development, taking up the design and manufacture of military drones through its start-up ERASER.
· Brasa Defence Systems: one of the leading manufacturers of tactical equipment in Northern Europe, with more than 20 years of experience in developing and producing high-performance equipment for military and law enforcement professionals. The company specialises in creating multi-layer clothing systems, ergonomic load-carrying solutions and personal ballistic protection products. All Brasa Defence Systems products are manufactured in Latvia, ensuring complete control over quality, durability and innovation throughout the production process.
· Ercon: a company with more than thirty years of experience in metalworking, offering engineering, manufacturing and assembly services. The company provides a full production cycle from sketches through to delivered products and on-site installation.
· Frankenburg Technologies: an Estonian-Latvian defence start-up specialising in counter-drone technology. The company is currently developing a counter-drone missile that will transform the anti-aircraft missile industry by providing far cheaper, mass-producible missile systems for combating unmanned aircraft. Development and active testing of the missile is currently taking place in Latvia, and the company is working to establish a production facility in Latvia so that mass manufacture of the missiles can begin shortly, strengthening the defence capabilities of the Latvian armed forces and allied nations.
· Kronus: one of the world's leading manufacturers of pallet collars and pallets. The company produces wooden packaging of all kinds for any industry.
· Lightspace Technologies: an augmented reality technology company developing optical technologies for next-generation extended reality. The company is creating an innovative way of controlling robotic systems, drones and armoured vehicles, and improving the organisation of team work on the battlefield.
· NEWT21: a company that designs and manufactures modern unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and composite material solutions for both military and civilian needs.
· Spodra: a manufacturer of chemical products in Latvia, offering more than 1200 products across various categories, including disinfectants, hygiene products, food additives, pharmaceutical products, repellents and insecticides, as well as a range of other items for professional use.
· SUBMERGE BALTIC: a company specialising in underwater technology. It works with a variety of sectors, including the defence and maritime industries, to provide innovative and effective solutions for underwater operations.
· TAGinn Europe: a leading supplier of training and military simulation products to the military and law enforcement sector. The simulation tools developed by the company are designed to deliver realism, safety and effectiveness – from grenades and noise/smoke devices to mortar rounds, drone-deployable mines and training launchers. Our mission is to offer innovative, high-quality solutions that enhance training and improve the readiness of professionals.
· VicTec: a company specialising in the manufacture of high-quality aluminium boats, which also offers advanced software and hardware solutions. The company additionally provides repair and maintenance for military combat vehicles, ships, boats, aircraft and spacecraft.
"Latvia will appear at DSEI with a clear and unambiguous message – we are a great power of innovators, creating solutions with global impact. Latvian manufacturers demonstrate that Latvia knows how to turn ideas into powerful products that strengthen security in Latvia and in allied countries. A sense of mission, constant improvement and courage are the foundation of Latvian companies' success," emphasises Elīna Egle, Chair of the Board of DAIF Latvija.
DAIF Latvija members "Edge Autonomy" and "Origin Robotics", which specialise in drone manufacturing, will also take part in the exhibition with their own individual stands:
· Edge Autonomy – manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Latvia and specialises in autonomous systems, high-resolution optics and energy solutions. It offers products for reconnaissance and surveillance and works with the Latvian defence sector and international partners.
· Origin Robotics – a Latvian start-up developing autonomous defence technologies, including artificial intelligence-driven air defence systems. One of its main products is BLAZE, which combines radar and computer vision technology for the rapid detection and destruction of targets.
Participation in the exhibition is possible thanks to joint funding from the companies and the Latvian state budget. The co-financing provided by the Ministry of Defence is used to cover the costs of building, installing, operating and dismantling the national stand, while all other exhibition costs are met by the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia and its members – the exhibition participants – as well as from funding secured within the framework of support programmes. Representatives of Latvia's security and defence industries will also have the opportunity to take part in and attend the exhibition and to meet potential cooperation partners under the "Latvian Security and Defence Industries Cooperation Network" Recovery Fund project.
About DAIF Latvija
The Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia (DAIF Latvija) was founded in spring 2013 and brings together 150 members representing a wide range of economic sectors, leading education and research institutes, and prominent international manufacturers. DAIF Latvija is the only association recognised at both national and international level that works purposefully with state institutions, international organisations and business associations in Latvia and abroad that see potential in the security and defence sector. DAIF Latvija ensures Latvia's participation and representation in NATO and EU consultative formats and in the European umbrella organisation – European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries (ASD Europe).
About the DSEI 2025 exhibition
DSEI 2025 (Defence and Security Equipment International) is one of the leading international defence and security exhibitions and will take place from 9 to 12 September at ExCeL London. The event will bring together world leaders, companies and representatives of the military industry, providing an opportunity to explore the latest technologies, solutions and trends in the defence sector and to build strategic partnerships and business contacts. This year's exhibition theme is "Preparing the Future Force". The event is expected to bring together more than 1 600 exhibitors and attract more than 35 000 visitors from over 50 countries.
Further information: www.federacija.lv