As a prime contractor in Latvia and one of the largest suppliers of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in the Baltics, Redwire was proud to sponsor and participate in The Riga Conference 2026. Redwire leadership contributed to critical discussions related to European security and sovereignty while connecting with government officials, including Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže, and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, as well as Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
Conversations at the event ranged from the future of NATO and the global role of the European Union to Ukraine as a reservoir of warfighting knowledge and a pillar of European security. Joshua Stinson, Co-President and Chief Growth Officer at Redwire Defense Tech, and Natalja Lernere, Senior Business Development Manager at Redwire’s manufacturing facility in Riga, took part in plenary discussions on the importance of collaboration between government and industry in today’s rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
The need for continual iteration in response to rapidly changing battlespaces was also a key theme throughout the conference—a lesson Redwire has successfully learned from delivering more than 300 combat-proven Penguin UAS for operational deployments in Ukraine, where only the most adaptable aircraft systems achieve mission success.
“With our expanded facilities, business personnel, and Flight Operation training teams in Latvia and Ukraine, Redwire is well positioned to strengthen regional manufacturing and rapid delivery to our customers,” said Joshua Stinson.
Engagements like The Rīga Conference reaffirm the essential role industry plays in European mission readiness. Whether bolstering regional supply chains or innovating based on frontline feedback, Redwire is committed to delivering combat-proven UAS and Octopus payload solutions that evolve as fast as the threats customers face. Europe’s security depends on adaptability, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to innovation—and Redwire is made for the mission.
