Latvia and Canada continue to strengthen NATO’s defence capabilities in Alliance’s Baltic region

On Friday, 15 December, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds met with Honourable Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defence.

“Canada is a strategic partner of Latvia. This partnership plays especially important role in current challenging geopolitical climate. We are happy to host Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group Latvia. We will keep working shoulder to shoulder on further strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture,” Defence Minister Sprūds said to the press. 

Latvia is working on its ‘homework’ as well, told Minister. Latvia has increased defence spending required to continue the upgrading National Armed Forces’ combat capabilities and infrastructure. 

Canadian National Defence Minister Bill Blair reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to further expansion of its military presence in Latvia. By 2026, around 2,200 Canadian troops will be deployed in Latvia, he told during the press conference. 

As previously announced, in July of 2023 Latvia and Canada signed a road map taking stock of previous achievements and detailing further steps in upgrading Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia from battalion to brigade level. Signing took place at Camp Ādaži. According to plans, Battle Group will become fully operational by 2026. 

Canada also deployed 15 units of Leopard 2 tanks on 10 November this year. This will enhance  allied presence in the Baltic region and reinforce military capabilities required to bring NATO eFP Battle Group Latvia to a brigade level.

Media contacts: 

MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335393
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv