Latvian Startup Secures €4.5M for Man-Portable ISTAR Drone

Latvian defence tech startup Origin has secured €4.5 million from the European Defence Fund (EDF) to develop a man-portable ISTAR drone (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) with target laser designation capability. This collaborative project, involving partners from Lithuania (Aktyvus Photonics UAB) and Germany (Leosys Laser and Electro-Optic Systems GmbH), is supported by the European Commission and the defence ministries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Germany. This new project will focus on minimizing size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) across a laser designator, see-spot camera, gimbal, and the UAV itself.

Recent developments stemming from Russian aggression in Ukraine have highlighted the continued importance of trench warfare in modern military tactics. In challenging, hard-to-reach terrains—particularly urban areas—handheld laser designation systems are increasingly relied upon for precision strikes. However, experts suggest that a more effective and safer alternative would be the use of man-portable UAVs equipped with laser designation capabilities. The challenge, however, lies in the cost, complexity, and weight of these systems. Most current models require larger platforms with sufficient payload capacity to support the necessary targeting technology.

The MPortISTAR project is part of a broader push for technological self-reliance across the European Union, reducing the EU’s dependence on imported products. This mini (less than 15 kg), man-portable vertical take-off UAV will integrate a laser target designator compatible with standard NATO laser-guided precision munitions. Key focuses for the project will be cost effectiveness (estimated to be one fifth the cost of current technologies) and reducing the need for forward-deployed troops, thereby minimizing risks of casualties.

Agris Kipurs, co-founder of Origin, said: “The European defence landscape increasingly relies on adaptable, affordable technologies that enhance operational capabilities. At Origin, we are encouraged that the European Defence Fund recognises the necessity of strengthening the defensive capacities of small and mid-sized nations in a cost-effective way. Our MPortISTAR project directly addresses this need, ensuring that countries like Latvia can meet modern security challenges more effectively.”

Origin’s flagship product, The Beak, has already gained traction in the defence sector, offering a versatile ISR drone with precision strike capabilities. Deployed to Ukraine through the Drone Coalition and secured through contracts with two NATO countries, the Beak is proving its value in the battlefield. With the MPortISTAR project, Origin continues to focus on expanding its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of modern defence operations.

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