Unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicle flights in the vicinity of the Airport pose direct risks to aircraft, passengers, airport infrastructure, and daily operations. As part of the project “Enhancing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Identification and Countermeasure Capabilities at Riga Airport,” it is planned to significantly strengthen Riga Airport’s ability to promptly detect, identify, track, and coordinate countermeasures against unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles in critical air traffic zones and above the Airport territory, thereby ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining a high level of air traffic safety.
Objective of the project
The objective of the project is to significantly reduce air traffic safety risks, prevent potential incidents and operational disruptions, and strengthen the resilience of Riga Airport as a nationally significant critical infrastructure facility against the growing threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. By implementing the tasks defined within the project, rapid response capacity will be enhanced, close cooperation with the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) and the air navigation service provider will be ensured, and staff training, system testing, and validation activities will be carried out.
Results to be achieved
A comprehensive technological solution for the identification and counteraction of unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles is implemented:
- installation of a radar system and command-and-control suite for the detection of unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles;
- installation of a remote-control signal jamming device for unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles and integration of the system;
- implementation of a comprehensive technological solution for the identification and suppression of unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles.
Funding
The total planned funding for the project is EUR 2 420 500, including financing from the European Regional Development Fund of up to EUR 1 954 863 and co-financing from Riga Airport amounting to EUR 465 637.
The project implementation period is from the beginning of the second quarter of 2026 until the end of the fourth quarter of 2029.
