Deployment of a larger NATO contingent in Latvia will require a new base, warehouses and barracks, said Latvian Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks in an interview to TV3 programme 900 seconds.
In preparation for the summit, NATO Military Committee presented different recommendations regarding possible development scenarios. ‘Major changes’ include deployment of NATO battle groups in multiple countries in which this has not happened until now. In the context of Baltic States it may be possible to make additional steps. Additionally, the situation differs in each Baltic State. Latvia wants a more active involvement from US in different drills and overall presence.
The minister said Latvia’s ambition is «turning the existing battalion+» presence under Canada’s command into a brigade,
which is a much larger military unit with its own capabilities and arms. It will be a brigade when 2 500 – 5 000 military personnel are deployed in Latvia depending on the situation. Latvia also expects Spain to supply anti-air defence missiles soon.
«The NATO summit in Madrid offers us such an opportunity. We are fighting for it, but this development will require about two years,» said the politician about the deployment of more expansive NATO forces in Latvia and Baltic States in general.
He admits that very interesting talks are taking place in the political backstage. On top of that, the minister says a number of allies have not paid enough attention to defence until now.
«When requests like that appear, countries generally ask for more time to avoid excessive stress. For Latvia as a NATO border country it is important to ensure this agreement is reached,» said the politician, refraining from mentioning which countries could oppose this request.
To ensure expanded NATO presence in Latvia, it is necessary to complete some homework, such as provide a base, warehouses and barracks, said the politician.
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As previously reported, if Baltic States secure expanded presence of allied forces, it will provide each country at least a brigade level force with appropriate battle support capabilities as opposed to battalion level presence.
US senators have voiced unwavering support for Latvia as a NATO ally and has affirmed the country’s understanding of the need to enhance the alliance’s presence in the Baltic region.