In the event of a threat to a critical infrastructure facility, drones may be shot down

Going forward, if a remotely controlled device is detected near a nationally significant infrastructure facility in a way that could threaten its security, an employee of the security service or a private security company will have the right to stop the movement of such a device.

This initiative by the Ministry of Economics (MoE) to amend the Security Activities Law was approved by the Saeima on Thursday, 18 December.

The amendments strengthen the enforcement mechanism of previously approved Saeima amendments to the National Security Law, proposed by MoE Parliamentary Secretary Jurgis Miezainis, which grant the owner or lawful possessor of critical infrastructure facilities of categories A, B, or C-i.e., nationally particularly important facilities-the right to stop the movement of remotely controlled devices in the air, on water, or on land if they threaten the security of the critical infrastructure facility. Such facilities include ports, airports, energy supply facilities, military structures, and others.

Emphasizing the importance of the law adopted by the Saeima, J. Miezainis notes: "In the event of a threat to critical infrastructure, it is necessary to be able to act immediately, using all available resources. The amendments to the National Security Law and the Security Activities Law provide a strong basis for developing effective counter-drone protection on water, in the air, and on land."

The right to take measures to protect a critical infrastructure facility on behalf of its owner or lawful possessor is assigned to employees of the facility's internal security service or a private security company providing security services.

The MoE proposed these amendments in response to information provided by state-owned companies-owners of critical infrastructure facilities-regarding the risks posed by remotely controlled devices and the need to establish a clear legal framework for countermeasures.