"Denmark's accession will significantly strengthen the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, contributing to its ability to immediately react to any threat. We thank you for Denmark's involvement in strengthening Latvia's defense, confirming the unity of NATO and taking care of our country's defense together with our armed forces," said Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds ahead of the event, welcoming the Danish soldiers to Latvia.
The Danish contingent in Latvia will consist of up to 800 soldiers. It is planned that the Danish contingent will serve in Latvia alternately with the soldiers of the Swedish armed forces.
Soldiers of the Royal Danish Armed Forces have already been present at the Ādaži military base in various capacities. But until now, the Danish contingent was part of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Ground Forces, while now it will be integrated into the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, which in turn is under the headquarters of the NATO multinational division "North".
It has already been reported that July saw the increase of the battle group of NATO's extended presence in Latvia to the level of a brigade and the creation of the new multinational NATO brigade in Latvia, which will consist of more than 3,500 soldiers. It is planned that the brigade will reach full combat readiness by 2026.
Canada will be the leading country of the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, and it will unite soldiers from Albania, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Iceland, Canada, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and North Macedonia, who will perform their duties in Latvia on a rotating basis. It is planned that Sweden will also be a member of the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia.
In 2022, in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Danish parliament supported the government's proposal to send up to 1,000 Danish soldiers to Latvia. Then in 2023, Denmark decided to send one battalion of Royal Danish Armed Forces soldiers to Latvia in 2024, demonstrating its determination to continue contributing to the defense of NATO's eastern flank.
Denmark has played an important role in the development of Latvia's armed forces, and it has been one of the leading Nordic countries in providing political support and practical assistance to Latvia.
Latvian Television recently showed the Danish troops unloading some of their equipment (below).
Lai stiprinātu NATO austrumu robežu un atturētu Krieviju no agresīvām darbībām pret alianses valstīm, Ādažu bāzē ieradies Dānijas Karalisko bruņoto spēku bataljons. Tie ir ap 800 karavīru. Bataljons pievienosies NATO daudznacionālajai brigādei Latvijā. pic.twitter.com/Vx3eMUxPHz
— LTV Ziņu dienests (@ltvzinas) August 17, 2024
