Three NATO nations’ armed forces are the first European military to field autonomous interceptor drones amid rising airspace threats.
RIGA, Latvia (February 6, 2026) – Only months after the initial procurement announcements, Riga-based defence technology company Origin Robotics has begun delivering its BLAZE interceptor system to the armed forces of Latvia, Belgium, and Estonia. This handover makes these three countries the first in Europe to field a domestically produced, fully autonomous, warhead-equipped drone interception system. The rapid delivery underscores how agile defence companies like Origin are helping governments respond more quickly to evolving airspace threats.
Across Europe, NATO countries have reported a growing number of unauthorized drone flights near borders, military sites, and critical infrastructure, reflecting the wider spread of low-cost unmanned systems linked to regional security tensions. These incidents have accelerated efforts such as the “drone wall,” a coordinated initiative to strengthen surveillance and counter-UAS capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank, as governments seek faster and more autonomous ways to protect their airspace.
Latvia was the first to announce its order for Origin’s interceptor systems in early October, followed by the Belgium Ministry of Defence, which publicly announced a €50 million allocation for counter-drone systems in November, with Estonia ordering shortly thereafter. As of January 2026, all three nations have begun receiving the first batches of the BLAZE system, with deliveries continuing in several batches over the coming weeks.
The BLAZE system, entirely developed and manufactured by Origin in Latvia, is an autonomous drone interceptor designed to neutralize hostile UAV threats with speed and precision. Designed for NATO interoperability and built for real-world use, BLAZE is the first NATO-codified autonomous interceptor drone equipped with a STANAG-compliant warhead module and available for immediate deployment.
Latvia’s Autonomous Systems Competence Center (ASCC) will be responsible for evaluating the system and determining how the newly acquired capabilities should be integrated into the National Armed Forces. Comparable national evaluation and integration processes are underway in Belgium and Estonia.
Major Modris Kairišs, Head of the Latvian Autonomous Systems Competence Centre: “The rapid deployment of systems like Origin Robotics’ BLAZE is essential to strengthening national air defence. At the same time, hands-on use at scale allows us to build a precise, real-world understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and tactical applications. This ensures new technologies are not only fielded quickly, but also integrated effectively into the armed forces.”
Agris Kipurs, co-founder and CEO of Origin Robotics: “The Baltic states have acted with urgency and foresight in strengthening their aerial defence posture amidst growing threats, and Belgium has shown the same determination. These deliveries prove that rapid procurement cycles are possible when governments work with agile, technology-driven defence companies like Origin. That speed matters when drone technology evolves faster than traditional procurement timelines.”
Unlike traditional defence procurement cycles that can stretch into years, the BLAZE deliveries come within months of contract announcements. The systems are operational and ready for immediate integration, and the delivery will take place over the next weeks in several batches.
Further details of the order, including quantities and operational roles, remain confidential. Additional deliveries to several other European NATO nations are already underway and will be announced in due course. Together, these deployments reflect growing institutional adoption of Origin’s technology across multiple NATO and partner countries.
