Latvia authorizes armed forces to destroy drones flying over military facilities

New legislation passed by Latvian lawmakers on Thursday has given the national armed forces the authority to down or destroy unmanned aircraft, or drones, flying near or over military facilities.

The amendments to the Aviation Law were adopted in the third and final reading in order to prevent possible harm to Latvia's national defense interests, lawmakers said.

The new legislation empowers the Latvian chief of defense or a person authorized by the chief of defense to take the necessary decisions on downing or destroying drones by using firearms or other special means if the drone is flown in violation of the ban on flying such devices near or over military bases or areas designated for military purposes, parliamentary spokespeople said.

Drones can cause security threats to military airfields and training grounds, as well as pose risks of uncontrolled reconnaissance and compromise military objects' integrity.

Lawmakers also ordered the government to draw up further legislative proposals covering other instances requiring restrictions on flying drones, such as public events gathering large crowds of people. Endite