International military anti-drone defense exercise “Baltic Trust 25” is taking place in Sēlia

From August 18 to 28, the military exercise “Baltic Trust 25” (BATT25), jointly organized by the National Armed Forces and the NATO Communications and Information Agency, is taking place at the Sēlija training ground and in the Sunākste area, including the technical interoperability exercise “mTie25”. 

“In these military exercises, our soldiers, shoulder to shoulder with our allies, are strengthening readiness and cooperation, protecting the state border against threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles,” says Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds.
The ten-day exercise tests and improves participants' ability to respond to reconnaissance and attack drones, conducts simulated operations to better understand drone capabilities, signal jamming and other defense systems, and strengthens cooperation in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-drone capabilities. 

In total, approximately 470 participants from Latvia and other NATO member states, including Sweden and Germany, are participating in the exercise. Industry representatives from several European Union countries are also participating in the exercise, whose projects are being tested by armed forces specialists.
To strengthen and improve both defensive and offensive skills with unmanned aerial vehicles, the exercises use various types of drones, as well as several anti-drone defense systems – radars, sensors, cameras and other instruments.

These exercises are an important confirmation of the joint commitment of Latvia and NATO to ensure strong and interoperable anti-drone defense. Drone technologies have significantly changed the strategy and tactics of warfare, so it is clear that unmanned aerial vehicles not only strengthen defense capabilities, but also provide new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, research and the military industry in general.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv