Operations

Swedish Soldiers Join Canadian-led multinational NATO brigade in Latvia

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Above images courtesy of NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia Facebook page.

Hundreds of Swedish troops will now be part of the Canadian-led multinational NATO brigade in Latvia. Sweden’s commitment to the Brigade ups the total count to 14 nations.

“Sweden’s participation marks an important milestone, being their first major NATO deployment less than a year after joining the Alliance. Their contributions will add significant strength to our mission, further enhancing its effectiveness and cohesion. Sweden’s commitment in Latvia strengthens our collective resolve to bolster the defence and deterrence of the region and NATO’s overall security posture,” said Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, in an official statement to welcome Sweden to the Multinational Brigade Latvia on February 7, 2025.

In October 2024, Canada stepped into the role of leading the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. Above Image courtesy of NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia Facebook page.

Canada’s role in Latvia

Canada has made its mark in Latvia at the behest of NATO since 2017 when it led the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia.

“Canada is proud to contribute meaningfully to the Alliance, including through our commitments to strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. In 2016, Allied Heads of State and Government decided to establish NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) along the Alliance’s eastern flank. Canada played a key role in this by establishing and leading the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia (formerly known as eFP Battlegroup Latvia) in 2017,” noted Blair.

In October 2024, Canada stepped into the role of leading the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. The Brigade transformed into the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade from NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Latvia.

The Swedish Battalion of the Multinational Brigade-Latvia Battlegroup conduct a live fire practice with small arms and armoured vehicles in the training range at Military Base Adazi, Kadaga, Latvia, on 25 January, 2025. Photo by: NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia Imagery.

Collaboration Instrumental

“This collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region and NATO’s eastern flank. The security challenges we face are global in nature, which is why we continue to work closely with our Allies, combining our strengths, sharing our expertise, and fostering a spirit of collaboration. Each contributing nation brings a wealth of experience that is invaluable to NATO’s deterrence and defence mandate,” noted Blair.

Adding Sweden to the brigade is just the most recent step in furthering the development of the Canadian-led NATO group.

“Looking ahead, Canada will continue to work with Sweden and other contributing nations to reinforce NATO MNB-LVA with personnel and equipment. The Brigade is composed of up to 3,500 soldiers from 14 different NATO countries. This includes about 1,500 Canadian Armed Forces members currently at the Brigade, along with additional capabilities and personnel flowing into Latvia beyond that into 2026,” said Blair in his statement.

Canada and NATO

With Sweden’s recent commitment to the Brigade, Minister Blair also took the opportunity to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to NATO and its collective defence and security.

“For over 75 years, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has stood as a cornerstone of global security and stability, demonstrating that the collective strength of its 32 members can overcome the most pressing challenges of our time, including in the face of Russia’s unjustifiable and illegal war in Ukraine. As NATO approaches its 76th anniversary this April, Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Alliance’s core values of individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,” continued the statement.

Blair also nodded to other Canadian contributions to NATO and the importance of solidifying this alliance.

“In November 2024, Canada reinforced its commitment to NATO’s collective defence during Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2024, conducted across Central and Northern Latvia. This marked the first major field exercise conducted by NATO MNB-LVA as a brigade, showing what 13 Allies can do together. Our leadership and contributions to this exercise were key in showcasing our continued dedication to bolstering NATO’s ability to defend Alliance territory.

“The challenges we face today require more than just individual strength – they require unity. As we look ahead to NATO’s 76th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to working closely with our Allies to ensure the collective security and stability of the Alliance and safeguard the values that make us strong and resilient,” said Blair.