The arming of Ukraine helps Latvia arm itself more intensively, emphasizes the NBS commander

“We have in no way created gaps in Latvia’s security, its defense system. We sent our supplies which do not affect our readiness for battle. In fact, it allowed us to develop much faster, to make purchases more efficiently,” emphasizes Kalniņš.

The commander explains that Ukraine has largely been sent reserves, namely Soviet-era systems. This has made it possible to free up capacity for the creation of new reserves by fully switching to modern NATO armament.

Accordingly, a favorable situation has developed in several directions – Ukraine receives the help it needs, Western manufacturers have been given a new impetus, the Latvian government has increased the NBS funding to 3% of GDP, which ultimately allows us to arm our own army more intensively.

The troubles of the “Patria” armored vehicle tests were detected in a timely manner

It should be noted that the armament of the NBS is also planned with “Patria” armored vehicles, the production of which has started right here in Latvia. It is true that their use is stuck because, as it turns out, there is no legal framework in Latvia that would allow this type of vehicle to be tested.

In the interview, Kalniņš states that it often happens when the legislation does not provide for such industrial development situations, but the specific problem was identified in a timely manner, and work is already underway on the solution.

“Even before this information appeared in the media, the manufacturer turned to NBS to solve this issue. We are actively involved in solving it. I think that in parallel with the necessary legislative changes, we will solve this issue together with the military industry and the specific company. And in no way will this case affect the volumes that are needed and schedule deliveries, which are very important for NBS,” emphasizes the commander.

NBS will form new battalions and continues to develop the use of drones

It is known that in the coming years it is planned to create seven new NBS battalions – two high-tech and five reserve. Kalniņš explains that one of the battalions will be of special support, that is, the high technologies needed to obtain a wide range of information so that commanders can make decisions.

The other will be an electromagnetic warfare battalion, which is being formed as part of the National Guard and based on the experience that comes from very heavy fighting in Ukraine. “We are developing this sphere by combining cyber defense and the inclusion of electromagnetic equipment in the catalog of NBS capabilities. It will be made up of both national guardsmen and full-time soldiers,” said the commander.

Finally, the third line is five reserve infantry battalions. One of the first is formed as part of the mechanized brigade. They will be one in each brigade and will ensure the further effective development of our reserve system, which will include soldiers who have completed their service as part of the National Defense Service.

Also, although the NBS does not talk much about it publicly, the forces have been actively integrating and developing the use of drones since 2007. The commander admits that their importance has increased after seeing the experience on the battlefield in Ukraine, therefore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the NBS is currently developing in even greater steps, including extensive purchases from local manufacturers.

Society itself must actively learn the correct course of action in the event of a potential war

A part of society still complains that it is not sufficiently informed about how to act in the event of war. Local governments are also still in a hurry to finish work on civil defense plans. Kalniņš points out that in the last year, a bigger step has been taken in promoting public awareness, including NBS going to the regions and helping local governments to create these plans.

True, the public’s understanding of correct behavior is best promoted by real training, so on June 15, NBS will hold National Guard open-door days in several municipalities, where citizens will be introduced to what civil defense is in general, will provide practical advice, etc. etc.

At the same time, as Kalniņš emphasizes, regular self-training is equally important. In this regard, the Ministry of Defense has updated a booklet with the necessary actions in the event of a potential war, which anyone can familiarize themselves with.

“In principle, you have to be active yourself to learn this information. (..) If a person says that he does not know anything, then one should evaluate how active he himself has been in order to find out something,” emphasizes the commander.

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