Defense
Enhanced watch reinstated on Latvian-Belarusian border
Enhanced watch reinstated on Latvian-Belarusian border
The Cabinet of Ministers at the meeting on Tuesday, March 12, repeatedly declared a reinforced border surveillance regime for six months, starting from Wednesday, March 13, until September 12 this year, the Ministry of Interior said.
Border reinforcement will not bother locals: National Guard
Border reinforcement will not bother locals: National Guard
The plan to strengthen the Latvian eastern border involves creating various barriers to stop the potential enemy at the border and prevent it from moving further. National Guard commander Kaspars Pudāns told Latvian Television on March 11 that road digging and anti-tank mines would not disrupt local residents or businesses.
Russia trying to recruit spies in Latvia, says security service
Russia trying to recruit spies in Latvia, says security service
The interests of the Russian special services last year were to recruit and train persons to carry out harmful activities not only in Ukraine, but also in the Baltic countries, including Latvia, according to the 2023 activity report of the State Security Service (VDD). 
Sārts: 30 years of 'relative peace' have passed
Sārts: 30 years of 'relative peace' have passed
"The world has become more restless, uncertain, and unstable, and the 30 years we lived in relative peace have passed," Jānis Sārts, head of NATO's Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, said in an interview with Latvian Television on Monday, March 11.
Latvia's eastern border reinforcement begins
Latvia's eastern border reinforcement begins
This week, military reinforcements have started on Latvia's eastern external border. A HESCO bastion has been set up at the Piedruja border guard post, while dozens of concrete blocks have been delivered to the Terehova, Pāternieki and Grebneva border points, which can be used to quickly block movement across the border if necessary, the Ministry of Defense said.
Canada joins Latvia's drone coalition for Ukraine effort
Canada joins Latvia's drone coalition for Ukraine effort
On Wednesday, March 7, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced during a meeting with his Latvian counterpart, Andris Sprūds, that Canada will join the Latvian-initiated drone coalition in support of Ukraine.
Enhanced border watch to be reinstated in Latvia
Enhanced border watch to be reinstated in Latvia
With the flow of illegal migrants picking up again, the Ministry of the Interior (MoI) is proposing to reinstate a reinforced border security regime at the Latvian-Belarusian border shortly, according to a draft order prepared by the MoI March 7.
Researcher: Latvia is 'too secretive' about defense
Researcher: Latvia is 'too secretive' about defense
The feeling of insecurity in society, when it comes to military threats, is caused by the fact that there is an exaggerated position of secrecy in the field of national security, said Valdis Kuzmins, a researcher at the National Defense Academy, in an interview with Latvian Radio on March 7.
Latvian government approves EUR 300m eastern border defense plan
Latvian government approves EUR 300m eastern border defense plan
On Tuesday, March 5, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers approved a Defense Ministry plan for the military strengthening and installation of 'anti-mobility' measures along the eastern border to deter any military aggression from Russia or Belarus. 
Latvia's defense industry to hand out annual awards
Latvia's defense industry to hand out annual awards
March 6 sees the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia (DAIF Latvia) handing out its annual awards to companies and research institutions that have made a significant contribution to safety and security on a national and international scale in 2023.
Latvia-Belarus border to be under enhanced surveillance again
Latvia-Belarus border to be under enhanced surveillance again
Once again, the flow of migrants from Belarus to Latvia is increasing. Less than a month after an increased border protection mode was suspended, the Ministry of the Interior will encourage it to reinstate it, Latvian Radio reported Monday, March 4.
Warmer weather brings back Latvian-Belarusian border crossers
Warmer weather brings back Latvian-Belarusian border crossers
In January and February, the situation on the Latvian-Belarusian border was relatively calm, but the number of border violations is increasing, said Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujāts on the Latvian Television morning newscast on March 4.
Sēlija military base in project stage
Sēlija military base in project stage
The design of the Sēlija (Selonia) military training ground has started, the expropriation of the property needed for the training ground is underway, but there are still many challenges ahead. One of the biggest is providing the infrastructure needed for the base, Latvian Radio reported March 1.
NATO Baltic air policing mission rotates to Latvia
NATO Baltic air policing mission rotates to Latvia
On Saturday. March 2, Defense Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) will mark the arrival of NATO's Baltic airspace policing mission in Latvia at the Lielvārde Base of the National Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense's press informed the news agency LETA.
'Crystal Arrow' military drills starting
'Crystal Arrow' military drills starting
From February 26 to March 12, international military exercises dubbed "Crystal Arrow 24" will be taking place in the Ādaži, Limbaži and Sigulda districts of Vidzeme region.
Do Latvians know what to do in a crisis situation?
Do Latvians know what to do in a crisis situation?
We have witnessed Russia's war in Ukraine for two years. Many have asked themselves – what would I do in this situation? As found by Latvian Radio, many have come to the conclusion that someone else would take care of it, meanwhile, the National Armed Forces say everyone must know how to protect themselves.
Latvia's donations to Ukraine estimated at over €650 million
Latvia's donations to Ukraine estimated at over €650 million
Latvia has been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine since the Russian war began. The State Chancellery has estimated that the Latvian government, public and non-governmental organizations, and associations have contributed at least €650 million to Ukraine over the two years of the war, Latvian Radio reported February 23.

Latvia's aid to Ukraine is approaching 1% of gross domestic product. Egita Diure, spokesperson for the State Chancellery, said that of the 650 million, most of the money - more than 370 million - has been invested in military equipment.
Recruitment in National Guard needs targeted campaigns: Commander
Recruitment in National Guard needs targeted campaigns: Commander
After Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, interest in joining the Latvian National Guard increased rapidly. It has now settled, and there must be targeted campaigns in recruiting new soldiers and national guards, Kaspars Pudāns, commander of the National Guard, said in an interview on the Latvian Television morning news program on February 20.

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