A statement by the Prime Ministers of the Baltic States last week said that three combat divisions, one in each Baltic State, designated for collective protection and capable of integrating local national defense forces, would be needed to ensure a permanent presence of allied forces in the Baltic States.
Commenting on the statement, Pabriks said that there is a “long enough road” to deploy the division, but it is hoped that decisions will be taken at the NATO summit in Madrid in the summer to deploy a team in each Baltic state. Latvia will also insist on the presence of more US forces and greater military financial assistance from the USA.
If the allies decide to send additional forces to Latvia, infrastructure investments will be needed. This means that a new training field and a second international base will be needed, as the allied forces are currently based in Ādaži.
The Minister did not currently comment on the possible location of the base, but there are believed to be several options. The Ministry will choose the most economically advantageous one, said Pabriks.
Pabriks also recalled that 600 to 800 Danish troops are expected in Latvia in the near future.
