By further developing the armed forces and cooperation with allies, the potential adversary must be shown that “we are not to be taken easily”, said the new commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS), Kaspars Pudāns, at the ceremony of changing the commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS).
He noted that NBS troops, National Guardsmen, civilian workers are proof of his claim that Latvia will be able to complete the tasks entrusted to the army and the duty to protect what is valuable the most – our fatherland.
“You should be an example and a source of inspiration to the whole society, so that the words – my responsibility, my Latvia – are really with us all on a daily basis,” he reminded, promising that NBS will continue growing, strengthening their capabilities, creating and expanding their ranks.
“What we don’t know, we learn. What we will lack, we will implement and build it. We will also strengthen cooperation with partners in Latvia and also with international partners. Together we will prove we are no easy prey,” stressed Pudāns.
After the ceremony, Pudāns told journalists that as he takes his post, his main priority will be maintaining Latvian army’s combat readiness.
At the same time, he said, it is necessary to be prepared for new challenges, especially hybrid-threats.
He promised that the development plans that have begun will continue and that they should be moved forward as quickly as possible. Pudāns is interested in “these abilities now”.
Pudāns emphasized that improving air protection is his priority. If there is this ability, then you can further think about how to stop a potential opponent “somewhere “pushing” in a weak place, probably outside our country, and then smash them in that place,” Pudāns said. To defeat the opponent, it is also necessary to develop artillery systems, he added.
“We will conscientiously use finances,” he promises, stressing that unfortunately, this will be necessary in addition to fulfilling all the goals and showing allies that we take our protection seriously.
As previously, today in Riga, at the Freedom Monument, Brigadier General Pudāns took up the position of commander of Latvian National Armed Forces, replacing the previous commander Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš.