The French army has selected a drone acquisition system developed by a Latvian start-up. The agreement, announced at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris on Monday, encompasses a technology transfer component. This arrangement will enable France to establish local production capabilities within a few months, framing the deal as both a procurement decision and a declaration of industrial policy.
It signals a direction for the creation of European drone capabilities. Origin Robotics, a company based in Riga, which developed the drone acquisition system named “Blaze,” has confirmed the contract. DSV, a French defense technology integrator, will serve as the local partner and supplier for the project.
The confirmation of the contract with the French armed forces followed a competitive, multi-stage evaluation process conducted by the French defense procurement agency. This collaboration highlights the integration of specialized international technology into French defense infrastructure. The involvement of a Latvian developer underscores the growing role of smaller European entities in advanced defense manufacturing.
By facilitating local production, the partnership aims to secure a domestic supply chain for the advanced drone system, thereby enhancing French self-sufficiency in critical defense hardware.
Topics: #latvian #technology #drone
