Pabriks: Military support of Canada will significantly strengthen Latvian and European security
On 22 February, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that Canada will be sending additional 100 soldiers to Latvia, adding up to 460 soldiers to the operation “Reassurance”, as well as a frigate and a maritime patrol aircraft to reinforce NATO's Eastern flank.
"We thank Canada for this step of solidarity by deciding to deploy additional troops, a frigate and a maritime patrol aircraft to Latvia and Europe, bringing together land, naval and air capabilities to strengthen the security of our region. In this challenging geopolitical situation, Canada's additional military support will contribute to Latvia's defence capabilities and to the security of the external borders of the European Union and NATO," says Defence Minister Artis Pabriks.
Canada will send an artillery unit of 100 soldiers to bolster the Canadian led enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. They will join the 540 Canadian soldiers currently serving in the multinational Battle Group.
Canada will also deploy the frigate “HMCS Halifax” and patrol aircraft “CP-140 Aurora” to Eastern Europe to strengthen regional security.
Canada is the framework nation of NATO’s multinational battle group Latvia. NATO eFP battle group Latvia is comprised of around 1,500 troops from Albania, Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy, Canada, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain who rotate to Latvia to take part in joint training with National Armed Force of Latvia and, thus, promote interoperability of allied forces present in the region and the overall capability to respond to various security threats.
NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle groups have been created and deployed in scope of NATO’s deterrence policy. Their aim is to enhance Alliance’s defence capabilities, demonstrate the solidarity between the members of the Alliance and reaffirm Alliance’s commitment to defend itself in case of any potential aggression.
The welcoming ceremony of NATO enhanced Forward Presence troops at Ādaži military base took place on 19 June 2017.
Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv