“Today, a drone tail section washed ashore on a beach in Varve Parish, Ventspils Municipality. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) is heading to the site to examine the discovered object,” the Latvian Armed Forces said in an official statement shared via social media on Thursday afternoon, 18 September.
The fragment is believed to be the tail of a Russian Gerber decoy UAV, reportedly carried ashore by the sea. Officials confirmed the drone did not contain explosives.
Latvian authorities have informed NATO allies, including leaders from the Baltic and Nordic countries, and stressed the importance of strengthening both the eastern flank and the Baltic coastline.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said the government will consult with Poland to determine whether this drone is the same as one found in Poland last week.
In response to recent incidents, Latvia has imposed a night-time drone flight ban along its eastern border and is testing acoustic detection systems while deploying coastal sensors.
The system is expected to become operational in October.
(mp)
Source: PAP/PR24/NBS/X/@EvikaSilina