This is the first Swedish NATO mission deployment since Sweden became a member of the NATO Alliance on March 7, 2024. Deploying Swedish troops to Latvia is part of the efforts of the entire Alliance to protect NATO’s eastern flank. The first contingent of Swedish troops comes from the Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the South Skåne Regiment and is up to 500 strong.
The NATO Multinational brigade in Latvia currently brings together the forces of 14 NATO member states – Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
“Sweden’s joining the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia is a confirmation of its readiness to engage in strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region and NATO’s collective defense. We are truly pleased to welcome Swedish soldiers to Latvia! As a host country, we are ready to provide all necessary support to the Swedish contingent during their stay in Latvia,” said Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds after the ceremony, meeting with Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson.
The Latvian and Swedish defense ministers also signed a letter of intent during the meeting, emphasizing the commitment of both countries to promote mutual cooperation in strengthening defense capabilities.
At the NATO summit in Madrid in 2022, the Defence Ministers of Canada and Latvia signed a joint declaration to strengthen the defence of NATO’s eastern flank. In 2023, a joint road map was published for a three phase approach: preparation, construction and stability, which culminated with the official establishment of the Multinational Brigade in July 2024, upgrading the existing NATO Battlegroup to brigade level and significantly increasing NATO’s presence in Latvia.
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