700 NATO soldiers, military equipment and equipment will be stationed at the base near Riga Airport

In preparation for increasing the battle group of NATO’s expanded presence in Latvia to the level of a brigade, it is expected that approximately 700 allied soldiers will be deployed in the Mārupe region, informs Defense Minister Andris Sprūds (P).

This year, the deployment of the allied brigade headquarters and supporting sub-units in the Mārupe region will begin. It is expected that approximately 700 allied soldiers, as well as military equipment and equipment, will be stationed at the “Ceri” military base.

The works have already started and will be completed in 2025, the minister said.

“Ceros”, which is located near Riga Airport, is currently home to the 17th Combat Support Battalion of the National Guard.

The battle group of NATO’s extended presence in Latvia has been stationed at the Ādaži base since 2017. Canada is the lead nation for the battle group, which currently consists of around 1,900 soldiers from 11 countries – Albania, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Canada.

As the battle group expands to a brigade, this force will be joined by a Swedish contingent. It is expected that the first Swedish mechanized units will arrive in Latvia at the beginning of next year.

Soldiers of NATO countries are also stationed at the Lielvārde base, as well as at the National Armed Forces base in Riga, Krustabaznīcas Street.