NATO Military Committee Conference Concludes in Riga

From September 26 to 27, Riga hosted a conference of NATO’s highest military authority – the Military Committee – at the level of armed forces commanders. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and was attended by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Admiral Pierre Vandier, as well as the armed forces commanders of all 32 member states.

During the conference, NATO’s military leadership discussed the implementation of the decisions of the NATO Summit in The Hague, focusing on strengthening collective deterrence and defence among the Allies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint press conference was held with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces, Major General Kaspars Pudāns.

In his address, Major General Kaspars Pudāns emphasized Latvia’s and NATO’s commitment to defend every centimeter of the Alliance’s territory: “Our national and regional defence plans are structured around the principle of “fight tonight”. While we hope for peace, we prepare for war – because preparation is the surest path to readiness.”

The Commander of the National Armed Forces highlighted Latvia’s significant steps in strengthening defence capabilities – the acquisition of modern medium-range air defence systems, coastal defence missiles, rocket artillery, as well as the introduction of a multi-layered air defence system.

Major General Pudāns noted that Latvia is one of the leading countries in the development of autonomous systems and drone technologies, which have become critically important resources on today’s battlefield. He also emphasized Ukraine’s inspiring example in resisting Russian aggression and affirmed that Latvia will continue to support Ukraine in its just and sovereign struggle.

The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, in his address stressed the importance of NATO cohesion and unity, particularly on the Alliance’s eastern flank: “Every threat to NATO’s air, land and sea space will be dealt with a resolute and proportionate response.” Admiral Dragone praised the heroism of the Ukrainian people and soldiers, underlining that their fight is also our fight. He also emphasized that security challenges cannot be overcome by military means alone, but by the ability of the entire society to act in the face of potential threats.

The Military Committee is NATO’s highest military authority, representing the armed forces commanders of all 32 member states. Its main task is to provide the North Atlantic Council with unanimous and professional military advice on how to respond most effectively to today’s security challenges.
The Committee meets twice a year at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and once a year in a member state in a conference format.

More information available here: 
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_237830.htm 
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/events_237415.htm 

Prepared by:
Communications Department,
Information Analysis and Management Directorate,
Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces
E-mail: prese@mil.lv
Phone: +371 27218405