National Armed Forces take part in the Northern Strike 2023 military exercise in Michigan
From 5 to 19 August, National Armed Forces soldiers and servicemen will take part in the Northern Strike 2023 military exercise in the United States of America, Michigan.
"Northern Strike is an annual joint ground and air exercise organised by the Michigan National Guard. The purpose of the exercise is to maintain and improve the combat readiness of the units, including the conduct of live fire and the integration of joint fire support into the execution of the tasks of the ground units, and to continue cooperation with allied forces.
The exercise will include air support controllers from the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade, airfield operations management specialists and airfield firefighters from the Air Force, as well as soldiers from the Special Operations Command and Home Guard soldiers and conscripts.
Together with Latvian soldiers and servicemen, more than 7,000 troops from the US and four allied countries will take part in Northern Strike.
Members of the National Armed Forces participate in Northern Strike every year, maintaining close ties with the Michigan National Guard.
The United States is a long-standing strategic partner and ally of Latvia, playing an important role in strengthening Latvia's defence capabilities. Latvian and US troops regularly participate in joint exercises and activities to promote cooperation and interoperability.
It has already been reported that on 27 April this year, Latvia and the United States of America signed an agreement on cooperation in the State Partnership Programme, confirming the partnership between Latvia and the Michigan National Guard. The first objectives of the programme were to help Latvia develop its National Armed Forces, in particular the Home Guard, after independence. During the initial phase of cooperation, the Michigan National Guard contributed to the development of the Home Guard structure, training programmes, inviting Home Guard members to experience military exercises in the USA and participating in military exercises in Latvia together with Latvian Home Guard members.