In order to further enhance Latvia’s defences in the coming years, seven new battalions will be formed in the country’s national armed forces, as reported by the commander of Latvian National Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Leonīds Kalniņš.
He has signed the order to compose three new battalions.
The first is the high-readiness reserve infantry battalion as part of the Mechanized Brigade. The battalion will begin operations in June to ensure the inclusion of soldiers retired from the national defense service in this unit. The battalion will now be deploying in Ādaži.
This is the first of five new battalions the objective of which is forming a more effective mobilisation reserve. Kalniņš told LETA that these battalions will be in every brigade, and each unit will have 1 000 to 1 400 troops. The remaining four units are planned to be composed by the year 2028. These will be stationed in Sēlija.
The second new special support battalion is under the direct authority of the National Armed Forces and will be focused on high technologies to ensure the acquisition of a full amount of information for correct and timely decision-making. It is planned that this battalion will reach operational readiness at the beginning of 2025.
The third new battalion will be part of the National Guard and will help expand electronic warfare capabilities.
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Seven new battalions to strengthen Latvia’s defences
