The NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia began a deployment exercise Monday, sending forces toward eastern training areas to test how effectively it can move, supply and coordinate units over long distances.
The brigade headquarters said it had not previously conducted a deployment drill on this scale. The notice from the brigade's public affairs office lists roughly 3,000 soldiers, plus about 1,000 units of military equipment.
From Oct. 26 to Nov. 2, troops and equipment are scheduled to travel by road and rail from the Ādaži and Ceri bases to training areas in eastern Latvia. The program also includes training with Latvia’s National Armed Forces.
Canada is the brigade’s framework nation, Latvia’s Ministry of Defence says. The formation developed from a multinational battlegroup and became a brigade in July 2024, according to the ministry, which says the allied presence is intended to contribute to NATO deterrence and strengthen the alliance’s defense.
Military traffic may briefly slow travel on some roads, the brigade headquarters’ notice says. Residents may also see Canadian Armed Forces CH-146 Griffon helicopters supporting brigade units.
The exercise is scheduled to run through Nov. 8, with cleanup in training areas and returns to bases planned for Nov. 4-8.
