Massive Military Exercises Commence in Latvia

From September 5 to October 2, 2023, comprehensive military exercises named Namejs 2023 will take place in Latvia, organized by the National Armed Forces. According to the Delfi portal, these exercises will also involve servicemen from the United States, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania, as well as the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, NATO Integration Unit in Latvia, and the Canadian Armed Forces Command in Latvia.

During the exercises, there is also planned collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and its subordinate institutions, as well as the Ministry of Interior Affairs and its subordinate entities, the Emergency Medical Service, and several local self-government institutions and enterprises.

The military exercises will be supported by the Rapid Response Forces. This year, the Namejs 2023 exercises are conducted in cooperation with the headquarters of the NATO Multinational Division "North."

Simultaneously with Namejs 2023, annual exercises named "Silver Arrow" will also take place, organized by the Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces.

Approximately 8,500 individuals are expected to participate in these exercises.

During the course of the exercises, Latvian military equipment and that of its allies will move along the main and regional roads of the country. Additionally, flights of military aviation will be conducted in the airspace of Latvia, including flying at low altitudes, and combat shooting will occur at training ranges.

Namejs exercises have been conducted throughout Latvia since 2014. This regular process holds significant importance in maintaining and strengthening the combat skills of the National Armed Forces, which must always be at a high level of readiness to effectively respond to potential threats and ensure the security of Latvia.

It is worth noting that international engineering exercises "Engineer Thunder 2023" will commence in Lithuania on Monday. These exercises will involve representatives from NATO partner countries. Over 900 servicemen from various countries, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, will participate this year.

Additionally, from September 9, exercises named "Northern Shores" will take place in the Baltic Sea. These exercises will involve servicemen from all NATO countries with access to the Baltic Sea, as well as Sweden, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Ensuring the safety of maritime routes through the Baltic Sea, particularly those passing near the coasts of Latvia and Estonia, will be a key priority of these exercises.