Latvia’s new Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece reported that last year the country managed to significantly enhance its defensive capabilities. Investments were directed towards procurement of new equipment for National Armed Forces and training of troops and the National Guard.
«In 2023 we have to make one stop further in raising Latvian residents’ awareness of their role and responsibility in national defence,» said the minister.
Last year 2 271 volunteers joined the National Guard – three times more when compared with 2021.
Currently the National Guard reaches 10 000 in numbers. 407 Latvian citizens have been recruited for professional service and studies at the National Defence Academy.
In 2022 Latvia’s National Armed Forces participated in approximately 120 military drills, including exercises together with NATO allies. Latvian armed forces also have great host experience, since the country will soon receive troops from the US and Denmark as part of NATO expanded battle group presence initiative.
As part of efforts to continue development of combat capabilities, Latvia has ordered more than 200 Patria 6×5 armoured personnel carriers manufactured in Latvia. Latvian Air Force also received the first two out of four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
Latvia also enhanced its anti-air capabilities by ordering Saab RBS-70 NG and fire control radars 1X. Efforts are also put into enhancing indirect fire-support capabilities through procurement of mortar munitions and transports. Procurement of UAVs is also actively done in Latvian National Armed Forces, the minister reports.
Also read: Latvian army receives two of four Black Hawk helicopters