Canadian-led multinational battlegroup meets NATO’s strategic directives

The Canadian-led multinational battlegroup, under NATO’s enhance Forward Presence (eFP),  has officially certified its multinational interoperability and combat effectiveness after undergoing its Certification Exercise (CERTEX), at Camp Ādaži, in Latvia.

Completing CERTEX also confirms the that the battlegroup meets NATO’s strategic directives.

“Canada’s leadership in NATO means that we have always deployed our troops and personnel when and where they are needed most. The successful conclusion of CERTEX confirms the readiness of this multinational battlegroup to support NATO and our Allies in Eastern Europe. Canada is committed to ensuring a peaceful and stable region, and we take on this commitment partnering with the Latvian Armed Forces and other NATO Allies,” said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence.

As a Framework Nation, Canada was responsible for the collective certification of the battlegroup. The Canadian Army’s Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, based in Wainwright, Alberta, provided personnel and expertise, in partnership with other nations, to plan and conduct CERTEX.

Soldiers were challenged and tested with a variety of scenarios using a combination of troop manoeuvres and simulation.

“In spite of coming together only a short time ago, the eFP Battlegroup has performed exceptionally well on this certification exercise. Drawing on the strengths of several NATO partners, this team has enhancing its interoperability and is prepared to conduct full spectrum operations alongside Latvian forces,” said BGen. Trevor Cadieu, Commander, 3rd Canadian Division.

The eFP battlegroup, which is defensive in nature, is aimed at preventing conflict and protecting regional stability. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is contributing more than 450 troops, the majority of which are from 3rd Canadian Division, based in Edmonton, Alberta, to the eFP battlegroup. This deployment includes headquarters staff, an infantry company with Light Armoured Vehicles, military police, and logistical and communications support.

Similar NATO eFP battlegroups have also been established in Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland, and are led by the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, respectively.