NATO launches C-UAS testing at new innovation range in Latvia

NATO has launched counter-drone testing at its new Innovation Range for uncrewed systems in Latvia, marking the start of a series of evaluation activities planned for 2026.

The first Testing, Evaluation, Verification and Validation campaign took place from March 9 to 13 at the Sēlija Military Training Area, bringing together defense companies from NATO member states and Ukraine, along with operational users and government representatives.

Focus on UAS and counter-UAS technologies

The campaign focused on both UAS and counter-UAS technologies, with the range designed to support testing in an open environment.

According to NATO, the site enables high-speed and high-altitude interceptor flights as well as the evaluation of electronic warfare systems, providing conditions intended to reflect operational scenarios.

The activity marks the first in a series of planned testing events aimed at accelerating the development and validation of emerging counter-drone capabilities.

Part of broader NATO innovation effort

The Latvian range is one of five pilot sites established under NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan, which is designed to speed up the integration of new technologies across the alliance.

Other innovation ranges include a cyber testbed in Estonia, a future connectivity initiative co-led by Finland and Sweden, and maritime-focused ranges in Italy and the Netherlands.

NATO said the network of ranges is intended to support testing, experimentation and rapid adoption of technologies across multiple operational domains.

Next phase planned in Riga

The next testing and evaluation activity is scheduled to take place alongside the International Drone Summit in Riga on May 27.

NATO officials say continued testing campaigns will help ensure that emerging UAS and counter-UAS solutions are aligned with operational requirements as the alliance adapts to evolving drone threats.