Following a multi-supplier evaluation conducted by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), France will become the fourth NATO member state in Europe to deploy the Latvian-developed BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone system.
At the international defence and security technology exhibition EUROSATORY 2026 in Paris, Latvian defence technology company Origin Robotics and French defence technology integrator DSV announced that the French Armed Forces have selected the Latvian-developed BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone system.
The contract follows a multi-month evaluation process conducted by the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction générale de l'armement – DGA). During the assessment, multiple supplier solutions were tested against the operational requirements of the French Armed Forces for counter-drone operations and force protection missions.
Latvian Technology Strengthens European Defence Capabilities
France will become the fourth European NATO member state to deploy the BLAZE system, following Latvia, Belgium and Estonia.
BLAZE is a Latvian-developed autonomous interceptor drone system designed to detect, track and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne threats. The system has received NATO codification and has been developed in accordance with NATO interoperability requirements.
France's decision reflects not only the quality of the technology itself, but also the ability of Latvian companies to develop solutions capable of competing successfully in one of the world's most demanding defence technology markets.
Battlefield-Driven Requirements Shaped France's Decision
The French Armed Forces' selection comes at a time when European countries are rapidly strengthening their capabilities to counter unmanned aerial threats. In recent months, the French Army, together with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), the Future Combat Command (CCF), and other defence-sector partners, tested several interceptor drone systems to assess their ability to counter threats such as Shahed and Lancet-type drones.
The evaluation programme was heavily influenced by lessons learned from Ukraine, where unmanned systems have emerged as one of the defining elements of modern warfare. It was through this highly competitive process that France ultimately selected the Latvian-developed BLAZE system.
Agris Kipurs, Co-founder and CEO of Origin Robotics, said:
“France's selection reflects the trust BLAZE has earned through its operational deployments across Europe. We went through a highly demanding evaluation process and are proud that BLAZE met every requirement set by the DGA. Interceptor drone capabilities have become one of the essential elements of modern defence, and France is making a strategically important investment in its security capabilities.”
Technology Transfer and Manufacturing in France
Under the agreement, French company DSV will supply BLAZE systems to the French Armed Forces and, in partnership with Origin Robotics, establish local assembly and manufacturing capabilities in France.
The project includes a technology transfer component aimed at strengthening French industrial and technological sovereignty in the fields of interceptor and counter-drone technologies, while developing a domestic supply chain under the "Made in France" initiative.
The first systems are expected to be delivered within the coming weeks, with training commencing immediately thereafter.
A key role in the project will be played by DSV, a French company specialising in the integration of unmanned systems, surveillance technologies and security solutions for defence and critical infrastructure protection. The company works with leading European technology developers, adapting innovative solutions to operational requirements while providing integration, maintenance and lifecycle support.
Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), said:
“A new defence technology ecosystem is currently emerging across Europe, where success increasingly depends on the ability to rapidly develop and deploy solutions that address real security needs. Origin Robotics' achievement in France demonstrates that Latvia is not only a user of advanced technologies but also a creator and exporter of them. Our strength lies in our people – engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who combine expertise, innovation and practical understanding of today's security challenges. This is why technologies developed in Latvia are increasingly attracting international attention and becoming part of Europe's and NATO's defence capabilities.”
A New Reality for Europe's Defence Industry
France's decision comes at a time when European countries are significantly increasing investments in interceptor drones, counter-drone systems, autonomous platforms and other advanced defence technologies. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has accelerated demand for solutions capable of protecting military assets, critical infrastructure and personnel against unmanned aerial threats.
Latvian companies are becoming increasingly integrated into NATO and European defence industry supply chains, demonstrating their ability to develop technologies that meet modern security requirements and are being adopted by allied armed forces.
About BLAZE
BLAZE is a radar-guided autonomous interceptor drone system developed in Latvia to neutralise drones and other airborne threats. The system uses radar data to autonomously detect, track and intercept targets under operator supervision.
BLAZE is the first NATO-codified autonomous interceptor drone system equipped with a STANAG-compliant warhead module and available for immediate delivery. In addition to Latvia, the system has already been adopted by Estonia and Belgium, while France will become the fourth European NATO member state to deploy it.
About Origin Robotics
Origin Robotics is a Riga-based defence technology company specialising in autonomous unmanned weapons systems. The company develops AI-enabled, computer vision-driven and purpose-built hardware solutions for modern air defence and precision strike capabilities.
Its BEAK strike drone is currently in service with the Latvian and Ukrainian Armed Forces, while BLAZE is a NATO-codified autonomous interceptor drone system already deployed in several European NATO member states.
About DSV
DSV is a French company specialising in the integration of unmanned systems, surveillance technologies and innovative solutions for defence, security and critical infrastructure protection. The company identifies and deploys leading European technologies, adapting them to operational requirements while providing integration, maintenance and operational support. DSV actively promotes defence manufacturing in France, contributing to the country's industrial sovereignty.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is a government institution operating under the Ministry of Economics of Latvia. LIAA supports business growth, investment attraction and innovation development while strengthening Latvia's competitiveness in international markets. The agency assists companies with exports, market expansion, investment projects and innovation-driven growth.
Multimedia Resources for Media
Latvia’s overall presence at EUROSATORY 2026 will comprise the Latvian National Pavilion organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and a dedicated industry exhibition area organised by the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia (DAIF Latvia).
Participation in the Latvian National Pavilion is organised by LIAA under the European Union co-funded Programme for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and national funding. Companies may participate either on a self-financed basis or by receiving support for eligible costs under the programme.