NATO’s largest training exercise on Latvia’s eastern flank: 3,500 troops, 1,000 military vehicles mobilized for “Resolute Warrior”

In a major show of force, NATO’s “Resolute Warrior” exercises began this week on Latvia’s military grounds, bringing together 3,500 soldiers, over 1,000 tanks and military vehicles, and an array of helicopters, drones, and artillery.

A NATO flag is seen during a ceremony to mark the change of command of the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Latvia at the Adazi military base, 17 October 2024. The NATO Multinational Battle Group, which was previously under the command of Latvia's Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade, will now be placed under the command of the NATO Multinatio

EPA/TOMS KALNINS

Although rarely named directly, Russia remains the implicit adversary in these drills, with troops focused on defending NATO’s eastern flank.

The exercise, involving forces from 13 NATO member nations, aims to enhance cooperation and readiness, a necessity when coordinating large-scale logistics and diverse equipment.

“We’re operating 24/7 to ensure these exercises are as realistic as possible, making this a logistical success as much as a combat one,” explained Colonel Cedric Aspirault, the Canadian commander of the NATO brigade in Latvia. “Our focus is on deterrence, showcasing NATO’s ability to act quickly and cohesively,” he added.

The multinational NATO brigade, part of the NATO Multinational Division North, emphasizes unity in its operations. Danish General Jette Albinus, who oversees the division, stated, “The purpose of these maneuvers is to integrate different forces into a single cohesive brigade capable of defending Latvia effectively.”

Latvian officials welcome the exercises, seeing them as both a deterrent and a testament to alliance solidarity. "These drills demonstrate our unity and readiness to mobilize against any threat," said Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds.

Established in 2017, the NATO battlegroup in Latvia was elevated to a brigade this October, marking a historic shift in NATO’s collective defense on its eastern front. The 3,000-strong brigade, led by Canada, includes troops from Albania, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain, and is expected to be fully developed by 2026.

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Source: PAP