The war in Ukraine has made Latvia’s potential opponent much clearer – we can expect only cruelty from them, said Latvian National Armed Forces Commander Gen. Lt. Leonīds Kalniņš in an interview to TV3 programme 900 seconds.
He admitted that Ukraine and its people’s resistance play an «enormous role» in Ukraine’s accomplishments in opposing the Russian army. This justifies Latvia’s efforts in developing its defensive capabilities – since 2017 the country has adopted a concept for comprehensive state defence. Latvia’s people are a major part of this concept.
From a military viewpoint the armed forces are able to reach their objectives to the maximum extent. Latvia will be fully protected from the perspective of collective defence as well.
Latvia is working intensely on raising its combat capabilities. There are more than 300 allied troops currently stationed in the country. New military equipment keeps coming in to help increase combat capabilities.
But the most important factor in any defence, as demonstrated by Ukraine’s example, is the preparedness of society in defending their country – what they created, restored and want to develop with hopes for economic welfare. This means societal cohesion, moral readiness and strength of will, which is on a very high level among Latvian residents, said Kalniņš.
«I am very optimistic when I see members of our society actively join the National Guard – as of today we have received more than 1 800 applications in a span of 25 days. This is three times more than what we normally receive every year. This tendency indicates that Latvia’s society is prepared to protect what they have been given,» said the commander of the country’s armed forces.
Latvia was one of the first countries that supported Ukraine with supplies of arms and weapon systems that have proven effective in combat.
«The result is that, for example, Russian helicopters stopped flying in Ukraine’s air space during the day, because Ukraine has close-range weapons and Russia has major losses of military equipment,» said Kalniņš.
«We should be grateful to Ukrainians, because they demonstrate how important it is to protect your home country,» said the NBS commander.
NBS actively studies the use of UAVs to accomplish operational objectives.
In Latvia’s army UAVs have been used for four years, but most of them are not conventional UAVs – they are used for reconnaissance and fire coordination. NBS studies the use of conventional tactical means as well, such as Bayraktar attack drones. Whether or not Latvia will be able to procure Turkish Bayraktar drones will depend on results of the study, said the NBS commander.
The war in Ukraine proved that the vision NBS sticks to was correct, as was introducing the means of providing troops with active weaponry. The main conclusion to be made from the ongoing war is that everything should be done much faster, but additional financing is needed so that it is possible to sign contracts for supplies of additional weapon systems in the near future rather than ten years from now.
Kalniņš stressed that Latvia’s potential opponent has become clear in the war in Ukraine and Latvia has a better understanding of what to expect.
«We can expect only the cruelty we can see in Ukraine,» said the NBS commander.
Looking at Saeima’s invitation to the United Nation on imposing a no-fly zone in Ukraine, Kalniņš said from a military effectiveness viewpoint, closing the air above Ukraine would give an effect, but it is not the only primarily necessary measure to ensure the maximum effect for defence.
«Artillery and missile attacks on army and civilian objects caused the most damages to Ukraine. Attacks from military aircraft have been the least of these attacks so far,» said Kalniņš, adding that Ukraine needs more anti-aircraft and anti-artillery capabilities.
«The final decision on the no-fly zone is political,» said Kalniņš, adding that from a military viewpoint the volume of aid delivered to Ukraine will provide a major effect on the country’s defensive capabilities.
Army commander: Latvia’s potential opponent becomes clear – we can expect only cruelty
