Difficult in Learning - Easy in Battle: Latvia's Civil Sectors Prepare for War

### Drones as Gifts from the USA Among the outstanding achievements of the executive power, which it is desirable to continue under the new government, is noted, in particular, the "enhancement of the internal affairs services' capabilities to detect and counter unmanned aerial vehicles." The company RAE tech will install a drone interception system at the State Border Guard headquarters and fully synchronize it with the existing devices of the State Police. Latvia itself will purchase 19 drones and one control set for the amount of 1.375 million euros (from the European FRONTEX project). Deliveries are planned by the second half of 2027. Additionally, for the needs of the border guards, 10 portable houses and sets for detecting low-flying objects will be purchased for 820,000 euros. The USA has also joined in equipping the border guards with drones — the American ambassador handed over 20 UAVs and three thermal imagers to the border guards on August 31. ## Firefighters Check Shelters Investments in the construction of disaster management centers continue along the eastern border — combined depots for fire and rescue services, ambulances, and police. In particular, such centers are being built in Rezekne, Kraslava, and Balvi. The construction is planned to be completed by 2028, with a maximum expenditure set at 30,006,468 euros. Latvian firefighters also perform the functions of civil defense coordinators. As such, they need to inspect all privately owned apartment buildings, production buildings over 2,500 m², and public buildings over 1,500 m² for the possibility of equipping Category III shelters. As of September, information has been summarized on 281 objects: 44 are suitable for shelter arrangements, 128 are partially suitable, and 109 are not suitable. ## Administrators Buy Generators "The Ministry of Economics has begun work on developing a technical specification for a standard shelter of 60 m²," the government document further notes. For its part, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development intends to use the financial instrument of the European Economic Area (which includes Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, in addition to EU countries) to ensure "access to civil defense infrastructure for 107,630 residents." Generators for the social sector and healthcare will also be purchased along this line, and sirens will be updated. ## Secret Assignment for Medical Workers The task in the medical field is also being carried out: "In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the necessary resources have been identified to strengthen the medical capabilities of stationary healthcare institutions and civil sector personnel to support the National Armed Forces." Further details are not disclosed: "The summarized information is classified as restricted access information... At the same time, the event is not yet fully completed." Meanwhile, out of 423 surveyed family doctors across Latvia, only 159 expressed unequivocal readiness to continue working in a crisis situation, while 133 said "under certain conditions, including ensuring the safety of family members." And then there are the drills, drills... The next ones are on November 15, in the Krimulda municipality, at the Inčukalns gas storage facility. Compared to military-crisis sections, civil priorities are much less pronounced. Perhaps with the exception of demographics, maternal and child health.