MN TECH - News

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Presenting an Integrated AI Surveillance System at the Riga Forum

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:40:00 +0000

Riga, June 11, 2026

Today we took part in a forum for Riga entrepreneurs, organized by the Riga City Council, where we presented our vision for the protection and monitoring of critical infrastructure.

At the heart of our presentation was an integrated AI-driven surveillance system that brings together three autonomous platforms into a single solution:

UGV (ground platform, in partnership with LV-TEH) — automated security and monitoring of gas and oil pipelines, as well as perimeter protection

USV (maritime platform, in partnership with SPARK BOT) — surveillance of port perimeters and strategically important maritime assets

UAV — real-time aerial monitoring

Our story is proof that collaboration between small companies can create something big. You don't need to be a massive corporation — you just need three things: trust, clearly defined roles, and a shared goal.

Thank you to the Riga City Council for the opportunity, and to everyone who showed interest! By combining knowledge and resources, we can effectively protect Latvia!

Latvia and LV-TEH at the XPONENTIAL 2026 Exhibition in Detroit

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:36:00 +0000

May 14, 2026, Detroit, USA

We represented Latvia and LV-TEH at the XPONENTIAL 2026 exhibition — one of the world's most significant events for autonomous systems, robotics, and unmanned technologies.

LV-TEH presented autonomous ground robotic platforms developed in Latvia, designed for:

supporting logistics and cargo transportation
autonomous operations in challenging terrain
reconnaissance and surveillance missions
supporting drone operations
integration of modular systems

Latvian Representatives at the VIPC Virginia Unmanned Systems & AAM Networking Reception

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:33:00 +0000

June 14, 2026, Detroit, USA

Latvian representatives took part in the VIPC Virginia Unmanned Systems & AAM Networking Reception, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and defense technology professionals from around the world.

Events like this create opportunities to build new international contacts, strengthen cooperation in the field of autonomous systems, and showcase Latvia's expertise in unmanned maritime, aerial, and ground technologies.

European Defence Fund 2026: Baltic States and Poland Cooperation Day

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:31:00 +0000

February 4, 2026, was a day filled with valuable discussions on the European Defence Fund 2026 work programme, as well as the shared priorities of the Baltic states and Poland.

The agenda included an overview of the directions for the upcoming period, discussions on shared priorities, and a highly practical session on the most common mistakes in project applications and how to avoid them.

From a business and investment perspective, the most valuable part was the B2B networking — an opportunity to meet representatives of various companies thinking about international consortia and product development. Formats like this clearly highlight where the "match" lies between national priorities and industry competencies, and help quickly identify what is worth pursuing further — a pilot project, a joint application, or commercial cooperation.

It was a source of great pride to witness the strong interaction within the Latvian delegation — there was a shared sense that only through cooperation can we make Latvia stronger and safer.

Ministry of the Interior Industry Day 2026

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:27:00 +0000

On April 23, 2026, Riga hosted the Ministry of the Interior's Industry Day 2026, bringing together representatives of state institutions, businesses, and research organizations to jointly discuss current challenges and solutions in the field of internal security.

The event centered on strengthening cooperation and dialogue between the public, private, and research sectors, emphasizing that effective security solutions suited to today's threats can only be developed through close partnership.

During Industry Day, businesses presented the latest technologies, solutions, and services, including innovations for strengthening security functions, border management, and cybersecurity.

The discussions placed particular focus on the changing security situation in Europe, hybrid threats, and the need to develop both technological solutions and civil protection capabilities, based on clear priorities and close cooperation.

Latvia–Ukraine Security and Defense Industry Cooperation Forum Held in Riga

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:21:00 +0000

On January 28, 2026, Riga hosted a large-scale Latvia–Ukraine security and defense industry cooperation forum, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs from both countries. The forum's goal was to accelerate the adoption of innovation and foster the joint development of production capacity.

Particular emphasis was placed on how lessons learned on the Ukrainian battlefield can serve as a foundation for resilient, field-tested technologies.

The forum also featured a large exhibition showcasing solutions from 60 companies — 30 from Latvia and 30 from Ukraine. Several cooperation memoranda were signed during the event, strengthening the long-term partnership between the two countries' defense industries.

Insights From Lithuanian Maritime Defense Industry Days 2025

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:16:00 +0000

I had the honor of participating in the Lithuanian Maritime Defense Industry Days 2025 on December 3–4.

It was an intense two-day program that brought together naval command, defense ministries, shipbuilders, technology developers, and international industry partners.

The agenda outlined a clear strategic direction for the Baltic region:

● Opening and strategic introduction
— Tomas Prūšas, President of LINPRA
— Jérôme Sena, Naval Group
— Paulius Petrauskas, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation
— Capt. Tadas Jablonskis, Commander of the Lithuanian Navy

● Main discussions
— Requirements and prospects of a small maritime state (Defense Materiel Agency)
— Experience of the Belgian Navy and delivery of BNS Oostende
— Naval Group: a global player in maritime defense
— MP-OPV as the flagship of Lithuania
— Industrial cooperation and procurement strategy for Lithuania
— Strengthening R&D partnerships and Baltic-European cooperation

● Partnership sessions and MoU signing
— Western Shipyard & Naval Group: two partners, one vision

The Baltic Sea region is becoming increasingly united and technologically stronger.
Such meetings significantly strengthen our joint maritime defense capabilities — from innovation and shipbuilding to autonomous platforms and modern digital command and control systems.

How the U.S. Army Drives Technological Progress — Inspiring Insights from the XTech Disrupt Competition

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:13:00 +0000

Today, I attended the U.S. Army’s XTech Disrupt competition as a spectator, where eight top startups each received $62,000 for their groundbreaking innovations.

The event is an inspiring example of how the U.S. Army actively fosters technological progress by organizing startup competitions that bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and the defense sector to co-create solutions for national security.

Key takeaways:

It’s truly inspiring to see the military sector collaborating with civilian innovators.
The U.S. Army sets a strong example of how government institutions can be real innovation drivers — not just sponsors.
Events like this show how early-stage technologies can evolve into real solutions for defense and dual-use applications.

In the finals, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll personally presented the awards to the finalists — a powerful symbol of how seriously the Army takes innovation.

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Northern European Seminar: Defense Transformation & Strategic Cooperation

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:31:00 +0000

LTG Mike Nagata – Strategic Advisor & Senior VP, CACI

On October 15 at the Contemporary Military Forum, I had the privilege to attend the session “The Northern European Perspective to Transformation” — an insightful discussion featuring top military leaders from across Northern Europe.

Speakers:

LTG Mike Nagata – Strategic Advisor & Senior VP, CACI

LTG Pasi Välimäki – Commander of the Finnish Army

MG Peter Harling Boysen – Chief of the Royal Danish Army

MG Lars S. Lervik – Commander General of the Norwegian Army

MAJ GEN Jonny Lindfors – Commander of the Swedish Army

The dialogue highlighted the evolving defense cooperation among Nordic and Baltic nations, emphasizing joint readiness, innovation, and interoperability as the cornerstone of regional security and transformation.

Strength through partnership, innovation through collaboration.

Drone Summit 2025

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:27:00 +0000

In the photo together with Latvia’s Minister of Defence, Andris Sprūds

On May 28, 2025, Drone Summit 2025 was held in Riga, Latvia, marking a significant milestone in strengthening international security and technological cooperation. During the summit, it was officially announced that Turkey and Belgium will join the Drone Coalition led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, aimed at providing coordinated and long-term support to Ukraine through unmanned technologies.

Solutions for real combat scenarios were demonstrated – including unmanned platforms for air, maritime, and land operations, such as drones for reconnaissance, combat, rescue, and logistics.

Latvia’s contribution in 2025:

€20 million – for supplying drones to support Ukraine’s defense;
€10 million – for joint innovation and manufacturing projects with the Ukrainian industry;
€180+ million – total coalition contribution to the UK-led centralized drone procurement fund.

More information: https://dronesummit.lv/#about