Following a multi-vendor evaluation process organized by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), France is set to become the fourth NATO member state in Europe to adopt the BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone system, developed in Latvia.
At Eurosatory 2026, the international defense and security technology exhibition taking place in Paris, Latvian defense technology company Origin Robotics and French defense technology integrator DSV announced that the French Armed Forces have selected the Latvian-developed BLAZE autonomous interceptor drone system.
The contract follows a months-long evaluation process conducted by the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA). During the process, solutions from multiple suppliers were tested and assessed against the operational requirements of the French Armed Forces for counter-drone operations and force protection missions.
Latvian Technology Strengthens Europe’s Defense Capabilities
France will become the fourth European NATO member state to deploy the BLAZE system. The platform has already been delivered to Latvia, Belgium, and Estonia.
BLAZE is an autonomous interceptor drone system developed in Latvia for the detection, tracking, and neutralization of unmanned aerial vehicles and other airborne threats. The system is NATO-codified and has been designed in accordance with NATO interoperability requirements.
France’s decision highlights 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 defense technology markets.
According to Agris Ķipurs, Co-Founder and CEO of Origin Robotics:
“France’s selection reflects the trust that the BLAZE system has already earned through its deployment across Europe. We underwent a highly demanding evaluation process and are proud that BLAZE met all requirements set by the DGA. Interceptor drone capabilities have become one of the most critical elements of modern defense, and France is making a strategically important investment in its security capabilities.”
Selection Driven by Battlefield-Proven Requirements
The French Armed Forces made their decision at a time when European nations are rapidly expanding their capabilities to counter threats posed by unmanned aerial systems.
In recent months, the French Army, together with the DGA, the Future Combat Command (CCF)>, and other defense-sector partners, tested several interceptor drone systems to assess their effectiveness against threats such as Shahed- and Lancet-type unmanned aerial vehicles.
These evaluation programs have been strongly influenced by lessons learned in Ukraine, where unmanned systems have emerged as one of the defining factors of modern warfare. It was within this highly competitive environment that France selected the Latvian-developed BLAZE system.
Technology Transfer and Manufacturing in France
Under the agreement, DSV will supply BLAZE systems to the French Armed Forces and, in cooperation with Origin Robotics, establish assembly and manufacturing capabilities for the system in France.
The project includes a technology transfer component designed to strengthen France’s industrial and technological sovereignty in interceptor and counter-drone technologies while supporting the development of a domestic “Made in France” supply chain.
The first systems are expected to be delivered to the French Armed Forces within the coming weeks, alongside the launch of personnel training programs.
A key role in the project will be played by DSV, a company specializing in the integration of unmanned systems, surveillance technologies, and security solutions for defense and critical infrastructure protection. The company works with European technology developers to adapt innovative solutions to operational requirements while providing integration, maintenance, and lifecycle support services.
According to Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia:
“A new defense technology ecosystem is emerging across Europe, where success increasingly depends on the ability to rapidly develop and deploy solutions that address real security needs. Origin Robotics’ success in France demonstrates that Latvia is not only a user of technology but also a creator and exporter of advanced solutions. Our greatest strength is our people—engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who combine expertise, innovation, and a 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 collective security capabilities.”
A New Reality for the European Defense 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 defense technologies.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has substantially accelerated demand for solutions capable of protecting military installations, critical infrastructure, and armed forces against unmanned aerial threats.
Latvian companies are becoming increasingly active participants in NATO and European defense industry supply chains, demonstrating their ability to develop technologies that meet the demands of today’s security environment and are trusted by the armed forces of allied nations.
