Latvian and Canadian soldiers are doing a big exercise with ground drones for the first time.

They are learning from Ukrainian soldiers and tech companies, and trying to adapt to new technology during a political crisis.

A Latvian commander says drones are important, and will be used more in the future.

He is using ground drones for different missions, like getting information and helping soldiers.

The Latvian Brigade is leading the exercise, which is called Crystal Arrow 2026.

About 2,500 soldiers and 500 vehicles are taking part in the exercise, which will last until May 15.

NATO countries are still learning how to use ground drones in battles.

A commander saw the benefits of ground drones when technicians started using them.

He says drones can be used for reconnaissance, and are cheaper than risking human lives.

The exercise is happening at a training site in a forest, where electronic equipment won't bother civilians.

Ukrainian drones recently helped retake a position from Russians without human involvement.

Some experts are skeptical of this claim, but the Ukrainian president says it's a new age of warfare.

A Canadian commander says Ukrainians are leading the way, but ground drones aren't decisive yet.

He thinks drones are important, but won't replace front-line soldiers.

One day, drones will be able to do independent operations.

The question of how much automation to use in drones is a big issue in Latvia.

A mistaken drone strike on an oil storage facility led to the resignation of Latvia's defense minister.

This incident shows how easily drones can be manipulated.

The defense minister had to resign after two Ukrainian drones veered off course and hit Latvia.

No one was hurt, but the prime minister asked for the minister's resignation.

Ukraine's foreign minister said Russian electronic warfare diverted the drones into Latvia.

Latvia and Lithuania want NATO to increase air defenses in the region.

NATO is doing tests to improve its interceptor network.

NATO is building preparedness and resilience across all domains.

The resigned defense minister said a lot of work had been done to improve Latvia's defenses.

If the drones were diverted, it's a technical achievement for the Russians, but might not last long.

An expert says an important evolution in warfare is happening, with autonomous vehicles and drones.

Russia has not acknowledged jamming the Ukrainian drones and denies responsibility.

The incident shows NATO countries are scrambling to catch up in defending against drones.

The Canadian military is deploying counter-drone systems to guard against uncrewed threats.