U.S. military presence to be strengthened in Latvia

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Latvia informs that the U.S. has approved plans on enhancing its military presence in the Baltic States. The decision entails U.S. soldiers and military equipment to be deployed to Latvia on a heel-to-toe, rotational basis.

“When our transatlantic partners talk about Baltic`s states defense, they do not joke around. The U.S. government understands that deterrence is based on strong presence and cooperation. Our allies have always supported the independence of the Baltic States, and today, when assessing geopolitical risks, persuasively demonstrate that they will continue to do so,” emphasizes Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks, adding that talks at the NATO Summit in Madrid, as well as individual meetings with the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have been fruitful.

In the coming years the U.S. will ensure the presence of rotational units in both the Ādaži and the Lielvārde military bases, which will significantly contribute to deterrence and defense, as well as improve interoperability between the Latvian and the U.S. armed forces.

In Latvia, initially the U.S. armed forces plan to deploy artillery and aviation units, which is in line with the needs of the National Armed Forces defense capabilities.

At the NATO Summit in Madrid, President Biden committed to enhanced rotational deployments and a heel-to-toe presence of U.S. forces in the Baltic region. The forces the United States is deploying are part of that enhanced presence model and are evidence of the U.S. commitment to strengthening our collective defense and deterrence posture on NATO’s eastern flank. In addition to U.S. bilateral efforts, NATO’s multinational battle groups provide critical deterrence, training, and allied integration in the region.

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