(adds paragraph 3)

RIGA, May 26 (LETA) - The Defense Ministry has prepared a draft government decree to reinforce Latvia's airspace protection measures in the eastern border area.

The Defense Ministry refused to comment to LETA on why such a decree is needed now, given that the National Armed Forces (NAF) already strengthened Latvia's air defense capabilities after a Shahed drone crash in the Rezekne region last fall.

The draft government decree does not envisage an additional financial allocation for the planned enhanced airspace protection measures.

The ministry also would not comment on whether the draft government decree provides for any additional funding for the enhanced airspace protection.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Law, the government decree and its annotation have been classified as "restricted" information, as the content of both documents is meant for NAF personnel and is related to their service duties. Taking into account the nature and content of this information, its disclosure may significantly hamper the planning and implementation of the NAF's enhanced control and defense operations, the Defense Ministry said.

The ministry drew noted that the disclosure of the information may directly jeopardize the NAF's operational capability, the safety of its personnel and the protection of national security interests in general.

As reported, on September 7, 2024, an Russian Shahed drone, carrying explosives and targeting Ukraine, came from Belarus into Latvia and crashed in the Gaigalava parish of Rezekne Municipality. The National Armed Forces (NBS) monitored the situation, but no decision was taken either to shoot down the drone or to scramble the NATO fighters on duty in Latvia. When the drone went down, the warhead that had not exploded was deactivated.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Defense started consultations with allies that have recently experienced similar incidents.

An investigation was also launched into the incident. Later, the Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying that military experts have carried out an in-depth assessment of the incident and the armed forces' response, identifying the changes needed in the system.

Since the September 7 incident, the defense sector has made improvements on all levels of Latvian airspace surveillance, as well as developed a mechanism for faster and more accurate notification of the public and the media in similar threat situations, the Ministry Defense previously told LETA.