Origin Robotics secures multi-year framework settlement with Latvia for BLAZE deliveries – sUAS Information

• A brand new contract for Origin Robotic’s counter-UAS techniques provide has been signed with Latvia, underneath a multi-year framework settlement secured again in December 2025
• The framework is open to different European nations to hitch by way of government-to-government cooperation, enabling quicker procurement and SAFE financing eligibility with out launching a separate nationwide course of
• Technical specs may be renegotiated yearly, making certain European armies all the time obtain the most recent model of BLAZE all through the lifetime of the settlement

Origin Robotics, a defence expertise firm specialising in superior unmanned aerial weapons techniques, has secured a multi-year framework settlement with the Latvian Armed Forces for the continuing provide of its BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone techniques. The primary contract underneath its phrases, financed via the European Union’s Safety Motion Fund (SAFE) instrument, was accredited by the Latvian Cupboard of Ministers on April 21, 2026. The contract worth and variety of deliveries should not disclosed.

Throughout Europe and past, the proliferation of low-cost drones and loitering munitions, accelerated by the wars in Ukraine and the Center East, has uncovered vital gaps in air defence, driving pressing demand for quick, cost-effective interception options. The framework settlement establishes a reusable procurement car that extends past Latvia’s personal provide wants. Underneath a government-to-government cooperation mannequin, different European international locations can be part of the prevailing settlement immediately, fairly than launching their very own procurement course of from scratch. This enables allied nations to maneuver quicker and entry Origin’s autonomous interceptor drone techniques via a streamlined course of. Contracts signed underneath the framework additionally qualify for SAFE financing, eradicating an extra barrier for EU member states in search of to strengthen their counter-UAS capabilities.

Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin Robotics, stated: “What makes this settlement really important is its construction. It offers Latvia the safety of procuring BLAZE functionality for a number of years forward, with no new lead occasions and no procurement gaps. Either side can renegotiate the technical specification every year. Meaning Latvia will all the time be receiving the most recent model of BLAZE. And since the framework is open to different nations, allies can be part of with out beginning their procurement from zero. It is a essentially totally different method to defence procurement, and we consider it’s the proper mannequin for a expertise that evolves as quick as autonomous aerial techniques.”

Conventional defence contracts lock in a technical specification at signing. For autonomous techniques, the place AI capabilities, laptop imaginative and prescient accuracy, and sensor integration enhance repeatedly, this implies armed forces can discover themselves receiving outdated expertise by the point deliveries conclude. The framework settlement addresses this immediately: technical specs may be renegotiated as soon as per 12 months, making certain that every supply displays the present state of the BLAZE platform. Patrons safe lead occasions and provide continuity for years forward, whereas retaining entry to the most recent product model because the expertise evolves.

BLAZE is designed, developed, and manufactured solely in Latvia, qualifying it as a European-origin system underneath EU SAFE instrument standards. The usage of SAFE funding displays the system’s compliance with European defence-industrial necessities and the rising urgency round counter-UAS functionality throughout NATO’s jap flank, the place unauthorised drone exercise close to navy websites and significant infrastructure has accelerated demand for autonomous interception options.

Latvia was the primary European nation to order and take supply of BLAZE, adopted by Estonia and Belgium. Collectively, the three international locations are the primary on the continent to discipline a totally autonomous, warhead-equipped drone interceptor. A number of further allied international locations are procuring BLAZE, with additional bulletins anticipated sooner or later.

Associated