New NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia conducts its first full-scale field Exercise
The NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia will conduct its first major field exercise as a complete Brigade from November 1st to November 14 in the regions of Vidzeme and Zemgale.
More than 3,500 allied troops will take part in the exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024, led by NATO's Multinational Division North, demonstrating the brigade's ability to conduct operations integrating all its subordinate and support units.
"The NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia exercise is a clear and unequivocal demonstration of the allied presence in the Baltic region and their commitment, together with the National Armed Forces, to protect Latvia, if necessary,” says Latvia’s Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.
“Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024 showcases our joint efforts to enhance Latvia’s security. Each nation in NATO’s Multinational Brigade Latvia brings valuable skills and experience. Our cooperation is at an all-time high. The message from this exercise is clear: We’re ready,” affirms Colonel Cédric Aspirault, Commander of Multinational Brigade Latvia.
Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024 demonstrates the Brigade’s ability to project its forces, maintain command, control, and communication and integrate all its subordinate, enabling, and flanking units in concert with higher Command. “This is an important exercise, where the brigade has to prove its warfighting capability, focusing on the integration of multinational units,” underlines Major General Jette Albinus, Commander of Multinational Division North.
As reported earlier, on 17 October, at the Military Base Ādaži, the Canadian - led NATO Multinational Battle Group Latvia previously under the command of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces, was transferred to the command of NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.
NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia currently consists of 13 contributing nations, including Albania, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
At the NATO Madrid Summit in June 2022, the Ministers of Defence for Canada and Latvia signed a Joint Declaration to bolster the deterrence and defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank. In 2023, Canada and Latvia, released a Joint Roadmap that outlines Canada’s three-phased approach: a Preparation Phase, a Build Phase, and a Steady State Phase.
NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia was established in July 2024. This marked the upgrade of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup to brigade level representing a major milestone in the build-phase and in enhancing the NATO presence in Latvia.
Following the exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024, the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade will continue expanding its capabilities with additional reinforcement through to 2026, at which time the Brigade’s commitments will be persistently deployed.
For Public Awareness:
From 1-8 November, members of the public can expect to see an increase of military vehicles on roads and low-flying military aircraft. Military movements will respect existing national caveats. Please also allow extra time when travelling during these dates, and exercise caution when passing military vehicles.
From 1-8 November, members of the public can also expect increased noise from Artillery firing in Military Base Ādaži.
Soldiers conducting training outside of Military Base Ādaži may carry weapons but will not have live ammunition.
The National Armed Forces is appealing to the public for an understanding approach to the military exercises taking place in Latvia, which are aimed at strengthening the country's national defence and NATO's collective security.
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335391
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv