NATO launches "Steadfast Defender 2024" international military exercise

NATO launches "Steadfast Defender 2024", an international military exercise aimed at deterring Russian aggression, the largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War.

The exercise, which starts in January and runs until the end of May, will involve around 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO Member States and the candidate country Sweden. "Steadfast Defender" will consist of a series of smaller exercises covering an area from North America to NATO's eastern flank close to the Russian border. Training activities will also take place in Latvia at various times. The objective of the exercise in Latvia is to improve command and control procedures, coordination, inter-operability and interoperability. The exercise will also include training on the implementation of regional defence plans.

Such exercises demonstrate the combat readiness of NATO members, reinforce NATO's collective defence principles and contribute to deterrence.

Latvia joined NATO on 29 March 2004, so 2024 marks a significant milestone - the twentieth anniversary of Latvia's NATO membership. It is 20 years since Latvia became a member of the world's strongest military alliance. NATO membership is one of the greatest foreign policy achievements since the restoration of Latvia's independence, which has brought Latvia security guarantees and contributed to the development of our military capabilities.

Information provided by:

Information provided by:
NBS Joint Headquarters 
Information Analysis and Management Department
Communications Directorate
E-mail: prese@mil.lv  
Phone: 67071032