Allies conduct airborne operation in Daugavpils

On May 16, an airborne operation by the Spanish Army took place at the Grīva airfield in Daugavpils,involving the Almogávares VI de Paracaidistas (BRIPAC) paratrooper brigade. The operation saw the landing of 500 paratroopers, demonstrating the Allies' ability to rapidly deploy forces, conduct coordinated maneuvers, and successfully cooperate in a multinational environment.

This is the second of five simultaneous airborne operations being carried out as part of the large-scale international exercise “Swift Response 2025”. In the coming days, an airdrop is planned at the Ādaži military training ground, which will be carried out by the 173rd Airborne Brigade of the United States Army. The aim of the exercise is to demonstrate the US ability to deploy troops quickly in Europe and the Arctic, in close cooperation with strategic allies.

"Exercise Swift Response 2025 shows what we are truly capable of,” said Col. Joshua Gaspard, commander of the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade. “This exercise is about working with allies in support of NATO. It demonstrates that we can respond quickly, unitedly, and powerfully when our forces are needed. As a result of this exercise, we will be much better prepared. Most importantly, we will be stronger together.”

The Swift Response 2025 exercise in Latvia is taking place simultaneously with the national Crystal Arrow exercise and is part of the extensive NATO Defender 2025 exercise cycle, in which approximately 25,000 soldiers from more than 18 countries are participating. The aim is to strengthen the interoperability of Allied units, improve leadership capabilities and train for multidimensional operations. The exercises, which will take place from 11 to 31 May, demonstrate NATO’s presence in the region and the Allies’ ability to conduct synchronized air and ground operations. They include landings of personnel and equipment, as well as live fire exercises involving units from the US, Spain and Germany. The exercises demonstrate the readiness of Allied forces to respond quickly and effectively to crises in the Baltics and the Far North, protecting peace and security in Europe.

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