"We are moving very actively in partnership with allies to increase the presence of allies," the minister said.
Sprūds said an agreement had been reached with Canada to ensure the presence of 2,200 Canadian soldiers in Latvia in 2026. Around 600 Canadian soldiers are currently staying at the Ādaži military base. Sweden has also confirmed that Latvia will have a battalion-sized presence – up to 800 Swedish soldiers – next year.
To be able to increase the presence of Allied forces, the Ādaži base of the National Armed Forces (NBS) is being expanded as well as the base site of Sēlija is being constructed, the minister noted. A base for a brigade-sized NATO unit – 700 Canadian soldiers – is also being built in Ceri of Mārupe municipality.
Sprūds stressed that the would-be Sēlija military base is a very important strategic infrastructure site and the first round of development should be closed by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The minister said it will be the largest military training zone in the Baltic States on an area of 25,000 hectares, which will mean military exercises in it can be more extensive and also international.
