HIMARS training taking place in Latvia

Take note – story published 2 years ago

On Monday and Tuesday, September 26 and 27, military training of NATO member states and partner countries organized by NATO Air Force Command will take place in the territory of the National Armed Forces Aviation Base. 

Their aim is to improve management skills, cooperation, and interoperability between NATO and partner countries.

During training, it is planned to perform a number of military exercises in Latvia's territory and airspace, including aircraft interception, loss of radio communications, control of aircraft, and support for allied aircraft in an emergency.

“This year, it is also intended to involve the Spanish NASAMS unit, which is located at the Lielvārde Aviation Base, and thus to train antiaircraft protection,” said Captain Matīss Students, Air Force Training Planning Officer.

"Residents should note that flights will also take place at low altitudes. You shouldn't be afraid of it. Flights will be performed within the framework of the regulatory enactments of the Republic of Latvia, in reserved areas above the Ādaži base and the Lielvārde aerodrome, as well as in the eastern regions of Latvia established for such training flights."

According to the newswire LETA, on Monday, HIMARS high-mobility missile artillery system will be displayed at Spilva airfield and Liepāja airport, said the Ministry of Defense.

Based on the request for training by the National Armed Forces, the United States Special Operations Force in Europe will carry out aircraft “MC-130J Commando II” landing exercises, demonstrating the rapid deployment and preparation of the “High Mobility Artillery Rocket System” (HIMARS).

During the autumn phase of the “Namejs 2022” military training cycle, the National Armed Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade has identified two training targets that cannot be safely destroyed by weapons currently held by the Latvian army and made a request for the supply and application of HIMARS systems. HIMARS has high-precision rocket artillery systems with an operating radius of about 300 kilometers.

The practice with HIMARS at the Spilve airfield will be observed by Defense Minister Artis Pabriks, Commander General of the National Armed Forces Leonīds Kalniņš, and the USA Ambassador in Latvia John Carwile.

After landing at Liepāja airport, the HIMARS systems will be transported to the Šķēde military base to practice target shots in the Baltic sea in the Latvian exclusive economic area.

It's not the first time HIMARS had made an appearance in Latvia. A year ago, a similar demonstration was made, as we reported at the time.

In addition to "Namejs 2022", more exercises under the moniker "Silver Arrow" are taking place.

 

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