Estonia to supply Mark I Counter UAV missiles to Latvia for testing against drone swarms.

On March 4, 2025, the Estonian company Frankenburg Technologies officially confirmed its commitment to developing, producing, and delivering the Mark I counter-UAV missile for testing by the Latvian National Armed Forces. This agreement is part of Latvia’s broader initiative to enhance its defense capabilities and address the increasing security challenges posed by UAVs on modern battlefields. Under the contract, a significant number of Mark I missiles, designed as a lightweight and cost-effective guided system, are intended to counter the growing prevalence of low-cost UAVs.
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The Mark I missile's compact design reduces material costs and enables high-volume production, while its artificial intelligence-based situational awareness platform is used for automated target identification and engagement (Picture source: Aizsardzības ministrija)

On the same day, the Latvian Ministry of Defence signed three research and development (R&D) contracts focused on strengthening the nation’s anti-drone capabilities. Alongside Frankenburg Technologies, agreements have been concluded with two Latvian companies, Origin Robotics and SAF Tehnika JSC, ensuring a diverse approach to countering UAV threats. These projects cover multiple technological areas, including automated drone interceptors, electronic warfare solutions, and guided missiles. Additionally, negotiations are in their final stages for another project involving the adaptation of existing weapons systems for automated anti-drone roles in collaboration with WeMPS. All newly signed R&D agreements allow for the operational involvement of additional partners, including research institutions, NATO or EU member states, and relevant international organizations.

Frankenburg Technologies, founded in 2024, is a European defense technology company operating in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. The company specializes in the development of mass-manufactured, cost-efficient missile systems. Estonia's first domestically developed missile, the Mark I, is at the center of the company’s ongoing efforts, with planned testing in Ukraine in early 2025. These tests, part of an agreement between Frankenburg and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, were finalized following discussions with Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Anatolii Klochko. The missile is designed to intercept UAVs, including Iranian-made Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones, which have been used against Ukrainian infrastructure since 2022.

The Mark I missile, approximately 0.5 meters in length, is optimized for engaging UAVs. Its compact design reduces material costs and enables high-volume production, although it limits the missile's range and payload compared to larger systems such as the FIM-92 Stinger. Analysts estimate the missile’s range at two kilometers, with a maximum altitude of one kilometer and a warhead weighing around 0.5 kilograms. The system employs an artificial intelligence-based situational awareness platform for automated target identification and engagement. The company initially plans to manufacture several dozen units per week, with production scaling to hundreds per week by late 2025. Frankenburg Technologies is also considering establishing production facilities in Ukraine, contingent on successful trials and finalized financing agreements.

Frankenburg Technologies also plans to conduct its primary development and future production in Latvia as part of its cooperation with Riga Technical University (RTU). The agreement, signed on November 14, 2024, includes collaboration on technical education in missile technology, participation in international projects, product development, training of specialists, and initiatives to promote science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. Frankenburg Technologies’ interest in RTU is based on the university’s experience in rocket development, demonstrated by student projects since 2021 under the supervision of rocket designer Andrejs Puķītis, who serves as the company’s Technical Director. RTU students have built and launched two high-powered rockets, becoming the first student team in the Baltics to do so. Their work includes research in microgravity conditions and the development of systems for launching rockets from stratospheric balloons.

Latvia has implemented several measures to enhance its air defense capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. In November 2023, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with German defense contractor Diehl Defence for the acquisition of the IRIS-T medium-range air defense system, valued at approximately €600 million, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026. This procurement aims to address previous gaps in medium-range coverage, transitioning from reliance on short-range systems to a more comprehensive defense posture. Additionally, the government has committed to increasing defense spending, allocating at least 4% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to defense in the upcoming year, with plans to raise this to 5% in subsequent years. This financial commitment underscores a strategic response to regional security dynamics and a dedication to fulfilling NATO obligations.

The increasing prevalence of low-cost UAVs has been identified as a significant security concern for Latvia. In February 2024, Latvia and the United Kingdom jointly established the Drone Coalition, an initiative aimed at enhancing national and allied UAV capabilities. This coalition has facilitated the delivery of nearly 5,000 drones to Ukraine and has garnered support totaling approximately €1.8 billion from member states in 2024. Domestically, Latvia has allocated €20 million to develop its drone technology capabilities, reflecting a proactive approach to modernizing its military assets. Furthermore, in response to unauthorized drone incursions near critical infrastructure, such as the January 2025 incidents near Riga International Airport, the government has accelerated the implementation of modern counter-drone measures to safeguard aviation security.