The US government has confirmed plans to reinforce the presence of its forces in Baltic States. The plan provides for deployment of more troops and military machines in Latvia on a rotational basis, as reported by Latvia’s Ministry of Defence.
The plan is to deploy military units to Ādaži and Lielvarde military bases in order to further improve deterrence and defence, as well as to improve mutual compatibility between Latvian and US armed forces.
It is planned to deploy US artillery and aviation units in Latvia first.
«When it comes to defence of Baltic States, our transatlantic partners are not joking,» said Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks.
«The US government understands that a strong presence and exchange of experience form the foundation for deterrence. Our allies have always supported the independence of Baltic States. Today, looking at geopolitical risks, we can see they will continue doing that,» stressed the minister, adding that the talks held at NATO summit in Madrid, as well as during individual meetings with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin have been successful.
As previously reported, US President Joe Biden, during the NATO summit in Madrid this year, said he is prepared to increase the presence of US military along the eastern borders of the alliance.