Change of command ceremony for NATO Multinational Battlegroup October 17th 2024 at Ādaži military base
On Thursday, October 17, a formal ceremony will take place at the Ādaži military base, marking the change of command for NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia. The NATO Multinational Battlegroup, which has been under the command of the Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade, will now be placed under the leadership of NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia. As a result, another combat-ready brigade will be stationed in Latvia, significantly strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities in the region.
The ceremony will be attended by President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Commander of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant General Michael Wright, representatives from the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces, Commander of NATO’s Multinational Division North, Major General Jette Albinus, NATO Multinational Brigade Commander in Latvia, Colonel Cédric Aspirault, and Commander of the Latvian Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Colonel Oskars Kudlis.
"This is an important step in the development of Latvia's security capabilities, as it is a real confirmation of our joint efforts and determination to strengthen security in the Baltic region. Looking back, since 2017 with the arrival of the first rotation of allies at the Ādaži military base, I can say that a lot has been achieved. During these years, we have demonstrated our unity, significantly increased the combat capabilities of the units. The NATO principle "one for all and all for one" can be seen here in all its power. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies – 13 nations united in a common goal to strengthen our security and protect our freedom. Our unity and solidarity is the power that ensures peace today and tomorrow. Our position is clear - we are ready to fight if necessary, we are ready to fight tonight. It is our common responsibility and promise to protect what is dear to all of us," emphasizes Colonel Oskars Kudlis, commander of the Latvian Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
“This marks a milestone in our mission as we welcome the NATO Multinational Battlegroup into our NATO Multinational Brigade family. I want to thank the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade leadership and all of its members. Everything that this NATO Multinational Brigade does is inspired by your professionalism over the past seven years. For the many nations of this Brigade, generations of soldiers are better because of you. This transfer of authority does not change our mission. Our presence here alongside the MI Brigade contributes directly to bolstering the deterrence and defence of NATO’s Eastern flank. Together we will reinforce our Alliance and make it stronger every day. We are all NATO, “ says Colonel Cédric Aspirault, Commander NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.
- Latvia and Canada signed a declaration on the strengthening and development of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia at the NATO summit in Madrid in June 2022.
- In July 2023, before the NATO summit in Vilnius, the defense ministers of Latvia and Canada signed a road map at the Ādaži military base, which provided for the stages of preparation, planning, augmentation and full readiness to increase the Canadian-led multinational battlegroup in Latvia to a combat-capable multinational brigade.
- July 3, 2024 marked the start of the expansion of NATO's expanded presence in Latvia to the level of a brigade and the creation of the new NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
- August 19, 2024 the Royal Danish Armed Forces joined the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
- Along with the conclusion of the comprehensive national defense exercise "Namejs 2024", the certification process of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia was also successfully completed.
Information prepared by: Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade
Phone: 26363721
E-mail: komunikacija@mil.lv