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NATO’s large-scale military exercise, Resolute Warrior 2024, concluded at the Adazi Military Training Area in Latvia. The exercise brought together approximately 3,500 soldiers and over 1,000 military hardware, including tanks, drones, helicopters, and advanced artillery systems.

Although Russia remained an unnamed adversary in these exercises, the strategic location and intensity of the drills imply a direct response to perceived threats from Moscow. The collective training effort, featuring troops from 13 NATO member countries, aims to bolster defense and deter aggression on NATO’s eastern border.

The exercise is a crucial component of NATO’s ongoing commitment to collective defense. Forces from countries including Canada, Denmark, Poland, Spain, and Italy are working together to synchronize military operations and hone their readiness for rapid deployment.

“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,” said Colonel Cedric Aspirault, the Canadian commander leading the NATO brigade in Latvia. “Our focus is on deterrence, showcasing NATO’s ability to act quickly and cohesively,” he added.

The involvement of NATO’s Multinational Division North, led by Danish General Jette Albinus, highlighted the alliance’s dedication to a unified defense strategy. General Albinus emphasized the importance of creating an interoperable brigade that can function as a single, unified entity in defense of Latvia and other NATO territories.

“The purpose of these maneuvers is to integrate different forces into a single cohesive brigade capable of defending Latvia effectively,” she stated.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds expressed gratitude for NATO’s presence in his country, viewing the exercises as a powerful symbol of alliance solidarity and a clear message of deterrence. “These drills demonstrate our unity and readiness to mobilize against any threat,” Spruds commented, underscoring the importance of NATO’s continued engagement in the Baltic states.

NATO’s battlegroup in Latvia was initially established in 2017. Led by Canada, the 3,000-strong NATO brigade in Latvia represents a multi-national force combining personnel and resources from Albania, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. This enhanced brigade structure is anticipated to be fully operational by 2026, further solidifying NATO’s defensive capabilities in the region.

The “Resolute Warrior” exercise marks the brigade’s first comprehensive field exercise since its elevation to brigade status, showcasing its capacity to operate seamlessly across various terrains and scenarios.

Conducted in both the Vidzeme and Zemgale regions of Latvia, this exercise is seen as a critical step in ensuring that the brigade can carry out its mandate to protect NATO’s eastern flank.

Europe and North America are together: NATO Chief

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics also attended the drills and spoke to the media and distinguished visitors on November 14. Remarks by both leaders emphasized the importance of alliance unity and the strength of NATO’s defense capabilities.

Rutte highlighted the importance of NATO’s collective strength amid international challenges. He stressed the importance of upholding the military cooperation between European and North American forces.

“There are boots on the ground from North America, with Canada leading the multinational brigade, and as you know more than 12 nations from across Europe are by their side. From the high North to the Western Balkan. From the North Atlantic coast to the Baltic Sea, Europe and North America are together. All for one and one for all,” he said.

Very good to meet @SecGenNATO in Latvia and to visit NATO Multinational brigade exercise Resolute Warrior. We discussed need to further develop defense and deterrence of the Eastern flank, support for Ukraine and
the need to increase of defense spending of all allies pic.twitter.com/xSViWas1Qb

— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) November 14, 2024

Rutte’s statement is significant given the context that the newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal about reducing Washington’s role in NATO and European security.

Speaking to the press at Adazi, Rutte praised Donald Trump, saying, “I had a very good working relationship with him [while prime minister of the Netherlands]. He will do everything needed to defend the United States and he understands membership of NATO is part of the defense of the U.S.”

As NATO’s brigade in Latvia progresses toward full development, this exercise serves as a testing ground for the alliance’s capability to execute joint operations swiftly and efficiently. The focus on cohesive training reflects NATO’s awareness that today’s security landscape demands both a rapid response and a unified front.

For Latvian officials, these exercises go beyond mere military drills. They serve as a powerful symbol of Latvia’s security guarantees within NATO and the alliance’s unwavering commitment to protecting its members. As the exercise draws to a close, Latvia and its allies can look forward to a stronger and more unified defense posture, firmly positioned to address any challenges that may arise on NATO’s eastern flank.