New NATO Innovation Range starts counter-drone technology testing in Latvia

From 9-13 March 2026, NATO's Innovation Range for uncrewed systems in Latvia launched its first Testing, Evaluation, Verification and Validation (TEVV) campaign on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies.

Defence industry companies from NATO Allies and Ukraine, as well as operational users and government representatives gathered at the Sēlija Military Training Area for the first of a series of TEVV activities planned throughout 2026.

The site allows for high-speed and high-altitude interceptor flights, as well as testing of various electronic warfare solutions in an open environment.

NATO's Innovation Range for uncrewed systems in Latvia is one of the five pilot ranges established under NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan (RAAP). The other ranges are:

• NATO Innovation Range for Cyber Testbed, in Estonia, which will focus on cyber and Information Technology solutions.
• NATO Innovation Range for Future Connectivity, co-led by Finland and Sweden, focused on resilient and secure next-generation connectivity technologies.
• NATO Innovation Range for the Underwater Environment, in Italy, which will focus on testing underwater systems and maritime technologies.
• NATO Innovation Range for Shallow Waters, in the Netherlands, which will focus on autonomous maritime capabilities and seabed security in shallow-water environments.

NATO Innovation Ranges enable Allies to accelerate testing, experimentation and the adoption of innovative technologies across operational domains. Testing campaigns like the UAS-C-UAS campaign help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that are suited to operational requirements.

The next testing and evaluation activity will take place on the margins of the International Drone Summit, which will be held in Riga on 27 May.