On 27 March, the Latvian Saeima approved in the third reading amendments to the Law on Police that allow law enforcers to shoot down or forcibly land drones in case of a security threat.
The law came into force immediately after its adoption.
From now on, police can use special means to neutralise drones travelling by air, water or land if they pose a threat to life, human health or critical infrastructure. Previously, only border guards or the military had such powers.
In addition, the amendments provide for the possibility of using explosives without warning in the event of armed attacks, terrorist threats, hostage-taking or the need to destroy explosive devices.
The changes were adopted amid a rise in drone incidents. One of them crashed in Latvia in 2023 after a border violation by Russia, while another caused disruptions at Riga airport in early 2024.