In total, around 2,800 troops and national guards from Latvia, the United States, and 10 more countries will participate in both trainings. The teams will cooperate with each other to improve their compatibility during tactical operations, including demonstrating the capacity to perform tasks in winter conditions.
On February 18, the International Military Training Saber Strike 22, conducted by the EUCOM, will be launched. About 400 U.S. soldiers and about 100 machinery units arrive with convoys, as well as 22 combat helicopters AH-64 Apache. Military transport plane C-17 has already arrived for training in Latvia, landing at the Lielvārde airfield.
By February 28, around 800 U.S. soldiers and up to 250 military units will arrive from the direction of Lithuania on shared roads.
From February 28 to March 11, international military training “Crystal Arrow 22” will also take place.
Military training will include flights of US Armed Forces aircraft, including combat helicopters AH-64 Apache in Latvian airspace, as well as movement of military machinery along Latvia's main and regional roads. As part of training preparations, the first flights and military movements started on February 13.
The National Armed Forces call on Latvian residents to be understanding.
A series of military exercises are also planned in May and June.
