NATO showcases unity with "resolute warrior" in Latvia
On the Latvian training ground in Adazi, large-scale NATO exercises under the codename "Resolute Warrior" are underway. They involve 3,500 soldiers from 13 Alliance countries. Over 1,000 tanks and military vehicles, helicopters, drones, and artillery form an impressive force aimed at strengthening NATO's eastern flank's defensive capabilities.
The "Resolute Warrior" manoeuvres are not only a demonstration of strength but, above all, a test of the cooperation abilities of a multinational brigade under the command of Canadian Colonel Cedric Aspirault. The exercises focus on integrating diverse forces and military equipment to effectively protect Latvia and other countries in the region from potential threats from Russia, although the name of the potential aggressor is rarely mentioned.
A large amount of military equipment has appeared on the Adazi training ground, including Canadian, Danish, and Spanish Leopard tanks, Italian Ariete, Polish PT-91 Twardy, Spanish Pizarro infantry fighting vehicles, and Slovenian Peruns. Italian Centauro tank destroyers and Canadian CH-146 Griffon helicopters are also participating in the exercises.
"They show what capabilities we have for joint action and how quickly we can respond," emphasized Colonel Cedric Aspirault in an interview with the Polish Press Agency. "They show our capabilities for joint action and quick reaction." He also noted that one of the biggest challenges is logistics, which is connected with coordinating 13 countries and diverse equipment. He added: "A way to mitigate this challenge is to ensure that we speak the same language — I mean NATO language — that we understand the same orders, understand the same planning process."
Maneuvers in Latvia. Russia watches
The Commander of the Multinational Division North, Danish General Jette Albinus, emphasized the importance of the manoeuvres for the integration of Alliance forces. "We are practising our deterrence and defence capabilities for Latvia," she told PAP. Asked whether the Russians are observing the progress of the exercises, she answered briefly: "We know they are."
Latvian authorities point to the strategic importance of the "Resolute Warrior" exercises. They indicate that their task is not only deterrence but also to show the "unity and strength" of the alliance.
NATO's presence in Latvia dates back to 2017 when a Multinational Battle Group was formed under Canadian leadership. In October this year, its status was elevated to a brigade, which Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics described as a "breakthrough and the largest event for building NATO's collective defence in a generation."
The brigade, consisting of military personnel from 13 countries, is permanently stationed in Latvia and comprises 3,000 soldiers. Its expansion is planned to be completed by 2026.
