DIAS Delegation to Latvia: Strengthening European Drone Collaboration
Last week, members of the Swiss drone ecosystem joined a DIAS delegation to Latvia, participating in a packed programme of industry visits, networking events, and the internationally recognised Drone Summit 2026. The visit provided valuable insights into Europe’s rapidly evolving drone and defence technology landscape while creating new opportunities for collaboration between Swiss organisations and international partners.
Building Connections Across Europe
The delegation brought together representatives from across Switzerland’s drone and innovation ecosystem, including companies, research organisations, and industry stakeholders. Over three days, participants engaged with counterparts from more than 20 countries, strengthening relationships and identifying new avenues for cooperation.
Day One: Industry Visits and International Networking
The programme began with a visit to DK Unity, where Swiss delegates joined participants from Australia,United Kingdom and Italy to gain first-hand insights into advanced battery technologies and drone manufacturing. Discussions focused on performance, testing methodologies, and supply chain considerations, with several participants identifying potential future collaboration opportunities.
The day concluded with a reception and dinner hosted by the Swiss Embassy in Latvia, attended by the Swiss Ambassador to Latvia Anja Zobrist Rentenaar and key representatives from the Latvian drone ecosystem. Particularly noteworthy was a presentation from the representative of the Latvian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which outlined the country’s ambitious vision for U-space implementation and civilian drone integration. Discussions highlighted a challenge shared by many countries across Europe: educating the public while effectively addressing unsafe and unauthorised drone operations.
The evening also demonstrated the value of international networking, with delegation members engaging in conversations with senior government representatives, industry leaders, and international policymakers.
Day Two: Drone Summit 2026
A central highlight of the visit was attendance at Drone Summit 2026, one of Europe’s premier drone industry events.
With approximately 2,000 participants, 20 national pavilions, and multiple conference stages, the event showcased the impressive scale and ambition of the International Drone Coalition, as well Latvia’s own drone and defence technology ecosystem.
Delegates were particularly impressed by the country’s investment in testing infrastructure. Demand for Latvia’s military drone testing facilities has become so significant that authorities are already considering the development of an additional dual-use test site to support both civilian and defence applications.
The summit featured high-level NATO participation, strategic discussions on emerging technologies, and presentations covering topics ranging from innovation and startup growth to operational deployment and security challenges. The Innovation Stage offered valuable insights into how European startups can successfully scale and compete internationally.
Exploring Latvia’s Startup Ecosystem
The delegation also visited Startup House Riga, where tailored meetings were organised with innovative local companies and technology organisations. Discussions covered topics including drone systems, defence technology, manufacturing capabilities, and opportunities for cross-border partnerships.
Several Swiss participants identified potential future collaborations, while others gained valuable market intelligence and a deeper understanding of the Baltic innovation ecosystem.
Defence Technology and NATO Collaboration
The 6th Defence Tech Meetup, co-hosted by UniLab and Startup House Riga,provided further opportunities to engage with companies, universities, and organisations working closely with NATO and European defence initiatives.
Held under the Chatham House Rule, the meetup was designed to encourage open, honest, and meaningful conversations around innovation, security, and the future of defence technology. Delegates attended expert panels featuring industry leaders, including representatives from major aerospace organisations and neighbouring countries’ defence innovation programmes. These discussions highlighted the increasingly important role that dual-use technologies and drone systems play in Europe’s security landscape.
Day Three: Strategic Dialogue and International Cooperation
The final day focused on broader strategic discussions involving government representatives, defence stakeholders, and international companies delegations from 16 countries.
Hosted in a more informal setting, the event enabled meaningful exchanges on national drone strategies, defence priorities, innovation programmes, and future collaboration opportunities. The Swiss Ambassador’s participation further reinforced the growing links between Switzerland and Latvia’s drone ecosystem as she visited the Drone House in Riga with the Swiss deletaion, which held a smaller Expo with 20 companies exhibiting and micro drone racing competition
Delivering Value for Swiss Participants
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the mission was that every participating organisation returned with valuable new contacts, insights, and opportunities.
Delegates reported productive discussions with potential partners, increased visibility within European networks, and a clearer understanding of how Switzerland’s drone industry can position itself within emerging European initiatives.
The visit also reinforced the importance of maintaining strong international relationships as the drone sector continues to evolve rapidly across both civilian and defence markets.
Looking Ahead
The Latvian delegation demonstrated the significant benefits that international engagement brings to the Swiss drone ecosystem. As Europe continues to accelerate investment in drone technology, autonomy, defence innovation, and U-space services, these connections will become increasingly important for Swiss organisations seeking to remain competitive and collaborative.
DIAS would like to thank the organisers, partners, hosts, and all participants who contributed to the success of this mission.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and returning for Drone Summit 2027.
