US increases support for strengthening Baltic defence

"The US understands the current geopolitical situation and the Russian threat to European security. This is reflected in the US decision to increase its support to the Baltic States' military capabilities this year and in the US plan to expand its military presence in our region in the coming years. This is essential not only for the defence of Latvia, but for the defence of the entire Baltic region," said Defence Minister Ināra Mūrniece after her meeting with US Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile.

At the end of last year, the US Congress approved USD 225 million in funding for the three Baltic States under the Baltic Security Initiative for fiscal year 2023, which will be earmarked for the development of military capabilities. This compares with USD 150 million for the Baltic Security Initiative for fiscal year 2022.

It has also already been reported that the US has approved plans to strengthen its military presence in the Baltic States, with US troops and military equipment to be stationed in Latvia on a rotational basis without interruption.

In the coming years, the US is expected to provide a rotational presence in Latvia at both the Ādaži and Lielvārde military bases. This will contribute significantly to deterrence and defence, as well as to interoperability between Latvian and US forces.

The initial presence of US artillery and aviation units in Latvia is foreseen and is in line with the defence capability needs of the National Armed Forces.

Last June, US President Joe Biden expressed his readiness to strengthen the US military presence in the east of the NATO alliance at the NATO Summit in Madrid in the wake of Russia's renewed incursion into Ukraine.

Contact information:
Roberts Skraučs
Head of the Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Tel.: 67335393
E-mail: roberts.skraucs@mod.gov.lv