How to react to a suspicious drone? Latvian Armed Forces explain safety measures

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, seven unmanned aerial vehicles have crashed in Latvian territory, and one was shot down by NATO fighter jets patrolling the Baltic airspace, according to the National Armed Forces (NBS). Due to security reasons, detailed information about specific incidents is not disclosed, but each case is investigated by competent authorities.

Helmuts Korns, a staff officer of the 4th Kurzeme Brigade of the Latvian National Guard, explains that drones can be used for both civilian and military purposes, so any potential airspace threat is closely monitored. If a real risk emerges, the public will be alerted through official channels. He notes that incidents in the Latgale region are a direct consequence of Russian electronic warfare, which disrupts the navigation systems of Ukrainian drones, causing them to drift into neighboring countries.

Combat drones that have entered Latvia are fixed-wing types powered by internal combustion or jet engines, with speeds ranging from 80 to 800 km/h and flight altitudes of 300–800 meters. The sound of an internal combustion drone resembles a loud moped, while jet drones sound like jet aircraft.

What to do if you spot a suspicious object

If a resident spots a drone, they should first assess the situation. In Latvia, drones are legally used by private individuals, companies, and state services. However, if there is suspicion of a threat, one must not approach or photograph the object. Instead, call 112 and provide the precise location, direction, time, and description (including any distinct sound). A fallen drone or its debris must not be touched—retreat to a safe distance and call 112 immediately.

Warning system and the two-wall principle

The public is alerted via cell broadcast warnings. A yellow alert means a possible airspace threat—no immediate action is required, but one should be prepared. An orange alert indicates a confirmed threat—immediate action according to instructions is necessary.

Korns recommends downloading the "112 Latvia" app and ensuring that cell broadcast notifications are enabled on the phone. A key safety measure is the two-wall principle: choose a room with at least two solid walls between you and the outside. In an apartment, this is a windowless room; in a house, a room away from outer walls. In schools, move to a designated safe room. Stay there until authorities announce the threat is over.

School response plans in Kuldīga

The Kuldīga municipality has developed a response plan for educational institutions, covering kindergartens, schools, vocational schools, and a university branch. If a warning is issued outside school hours, student transport is canceled, and principals decide on remote learning or cancellation. During school hours, students and staff move to basements or windowless rooms; leaving the building is prohibited. Parents are urged not to come for their children—they will stay under teacher supervision.

If a warning occurs while a school bus is en route, the driver takes passengers to the nearest brick building. On excursions, the supervising teacher assumes command and seeks shelter in the nearest safe building. Kindergartens operate in emergency mode, caring for children of critical infrastructure workers.

Kuldīga kindergarten "Bitīte" has already practiced evacuation. Director Līga Megne says each group has its own exit route, and drills went well. Teacher Sintija Strautiņa explains safety to children in an age-appropriate way: sometimes outside is unsafe due to loud noises or other dangers, adults lead them to a safe place—a basement or a corridor without windows with thick walls. Children remained calm and disciplined during the drill.

Expert opinions

Dzintars Pakalns, civil protection coordinator for Kuldīga municipality, emphasizes that in case of a threat, the municipality will coordinate with the NBS, State Fire and Rescue Service, and police. A yellow alert means be vigilant; an orange alert means seek shelter immediately. If outdoors, head to the nearest shelter or take cover behind a car, concrete blocks, or in a forest. He calls for Kurzeme to prepare for potential mass drone attacks.

Māris Akula, a drone expert from Kuldīga and technical director of Drone House in Riga, explains that drones include fixed-wing and quadcopter types, and they are widely used for military purposes.

Helmuts Korns reminds that security is a shared responsibility. Preparedness means knowing how to act in an emergency—it is far better to be ready than to be in doubt.