Latvia Military Forces 🇱🇻

Latvia's is located on NATO's eastern flank, sharing a border with Russia. Its defense posture has shifted from a concept of total territorial defense to a model of collective defense, heavily integrated with NATO structures. The core of its strategy is based on developing sufficient self-defense capabilities to deter aggression and to defend its territory until the arrival of allied reinforcements. Key partners include the other Baltic states (Estonia and Lithuania), the United States, Canada, and Nordic countries. This cooperation is manifested through joint procurement, training exercises, and the presence of a Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup on Latvian soil.

Military Forces

The National Armed Forces (NAF) consist of the Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force, and the National Guard. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has reintroduced conscription to bolster its ranks. The National Guard forms a crucial component of the territorial defense plan, intended to act as a resistance force. Defense spending has been increased significantly, surpassing 3% of GDP in 2024.

The Land Forces are undergoing the most significant modernization. This includes the acquisition of over 200 Finnish-designed Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers, which will be partly assembled in Latvia. To enhance combat capabilities, Latvia is also procuring ASCOD 2 infantry fighting vehicles from Spain and Archer self-propelled howitzers. Plans are in place to acquire HIMARS long-range artillery systems.

The Naval Forces are primarily focused on mine countermeasures, coastal surveillance, and search and rescue. The fleet's core consists of Tripartite-class minehunters, which are being modernized with unmanned systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for mine detection and disposal. The naval command has acknowledged the need for offensive weapon systems and new vessels to transition from a peacetime to a military footing.

The Air Force does not operate combat aircraft and relies on NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission for air defense. Its inventory is comprised of transport aircraft, and helicopters. Modernization efforts include replacing Soviet-era helicopters with UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters and acquiring new light trainer aircraft. A key priority is the development of a layered air defense system, including the procurement of medium-range systems and strengthening existing short-range RBS-70 capabilities.

Strategic Trends

Latvia is accelerating its military modernization and force expansion in response to the regional security situation. The development of a comprehensive defense system involves not only the military but also civil institutions and public resilience. Key priorities for the coming years include the acquisition of coastal defense missile systems, medium-range air defense systems, and the continued mechanization of the Land Forces. There is a strong emphasis on joint capabilities with Estonia and Lithuania, such as the creation of a "Baltic Defense Line" along their borders with Russia.