"The purpose of the flights is to maintain the qualification of pilots, to get acquainted with the terrain of Latvia and to support the training of land units," according to a release from the National Armed Forces (NBS).
"The deployment of combat helicopters on Latvian territory demonstrates NATO's readiness to take additional precautionary measures in accordance with the Alliance's defense plans and crisis response mechanisms to further strengthen defense and deterrence throughout the Alliance. It also demonstrates NATO's ironclad commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty," the NBS said.
The flights of combat helicopters stationed in Latvia will take place throughout the territory of Latvia, both during the day and at night, in accordance with civil and military regulatory enactments and mutual agreements.
Latvians are urged not to worry when they see the movement of military aircraft in the country's airspace. Aircraft noise is short-lived and does not harm people or property.
