Latvia will gradually assume responsibility for NATO’s Baltic air policing mission due to ongoing repairs at the Estonian Air Force base in Ämari, LETA reports. The Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) air base in Lielvarde will host the mission for nine months from 1 March 2024. This is the first time that the mission rotation…
Sweden will deploy an army battalion of 800 troops to Latvia in early 2025, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced, LSM reports. The mechanised battalion, which may include Leopard tanks, will be part of the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group based in Latvia. Sweden is due to join NATO soon. In July 2023,…
Lithuania will purchase multifunctional artillery radar systems from the Dutch defence contractor, Thales Nederland, for EUR 126.7mn, BNS reports. The first Thales GM200 MM/C radar systems are due to be delivered by 2026. The agreement includes cooperation in multifunctional radar support between Lithuania and the Netherlands, with potential involvement of the Lithuanian defence industry in…
The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) have received the first batch of Spanish-made EXPAL 120mm mortars, BNS reports. The Defence Ministry said that the modern high-quality weaponry provided a significant enhancement to Lithuania’s indirect fire support capabilities. The mortars have an effective range of up to eight kilometres. Lithuania signed a EUR 9.8mn procurement contract with…
Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) has detained a Russian citizen on suspicion of espionage, LSM reported. VDD searched five premises in and around Riga and confiscated a large volume of media and documents. VDD found that the person had collected and transferred information regarding critical infrastructure and military objects in Latvia for Russian intelligence. In…
Major General Veiko-Vello Palm, commander of the Estonian Division, highlighted the importance of acquiring long-range weapons, such as HIMARS systems, to enhance Estonia’s defence capabilities, ERR reported. He said that the focus on deep strikes and disrupting enemy supply lines had become crucial in countering potential threats. Palm acknowledged the need for continuous military growth,…
Lithuania has completed the first phase of procuring joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) manufactured by the US defence contractor, Oshkosh Defense, BNS reports. The final batch of 50 JLTVs, part of a 2019 contract for 200 vehicles, recently arrived in Lithuania ahead of schedule. The first 50 JLTVs were delivered in 2021, followed by additional…
Lithuania plans to call up reserve troops up to the age of 60 for training in response to the deteriorating regional security situation, BNS reports. The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has given initial approval for the initiative. The plan includes calling up around 80,000 reserve troops who served more than ten years ago. These individuals…
Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins asserts that even if Ukraine regains control of all conquered territories, Russia will still remain a military threat to Europe, LETA reports. He argued that Russia’s government was rooted in imperialist ambitions and saw external enemies as a means to distract from domestic issues. Karins highlighted the changing security landscape…
