New barracks for NATO Multinational Brigade soldiers unveiled at Military Base "Ādaži"
On Wednesday, May 21, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Military Base "Ādaži" to unveil the fourth barrack building intended to accommodate NATO Multinational Brigade soldiers.
“I am grateful for Canada's significant contribution to the development of the Military Base Ādaži, ensuring even better living conditions for the soldiers of the NATO Multinational Brigade soldiers who are serving in Latvia and are ready to support us militarily in these challenging times," said Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.
The expansion of the barracks buildings is one of the projects currently being implemented by Canada, which demonstrates the country’s long-term commitment to promoting Euro-Atlantic and Latvian security. Canada plays a key role in coordinating the composition of the NATO Multinational Brigade and the infrastructure necessary for accommodating allied soldiers.
Canada has invested 18.5 million euros in the construction of four barracks buildings. In total, the four barracks buildings will be able to accommodate 600 allied soldiers, but if necessary, the space allows the number of soldiers to be increased to 1,200. Each barracks building has a laundry room, storage rooms in the basement, a weapons storage room and other amenities for soldiers. The construction of the barracks began in 2023.
The expansion of the barracks is necessary because the number of soldiers from the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia has increased significantly over the past year. Their main task is to provide support for the defence of NATO's eastern flank.
Latvia has developed close relations with Canada, which is the leading country of the NATO Multinational Brigade stationed in Latvia. The allied brigade brings together soldiers from Albania, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Iceland, Canada, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, North Macedonia and Sweden.
Latvia, together with its Canadian allies, is working on infrastructure development, such as road improvement and reconstruction, to ensure the future movement of military transport to and from the military base “Ceri” in Mārupe Municipality.
Canada is also a member of the international Drone Coalition in support of Ukraine, and is involved in training Ukrainian soldiers.
Picture: Gatis Dieziņš
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