Swedish troops boost NATO presence in Latvia amidst tensions
550 Swedish soldiers arrived in Riga to support the NATO Multinational Brigade under Canadian command. This marks a historic contribution to regional security.
About 550 soldiers from the Swedish military contingent arrived in Latvia on Saturday to reinforce the NATO Multinational Brigade under Canadian command. The soldiers were welcomed at the port of Riga with NATO and Swedish flags.
"This is historic support," said Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds, emphasizing NATO's unity in response to Russia's actions.
Prime Minister Evika Silina noted that the arrival of the Swedish army is a "significant step" in the development of regional defense cooperation. Brigade Commander Col. Cedric Aspirault stated that the presence of the Swedish forces strengthens combat readiness and regional security. Combat vehicles were transported along with the soldiers.
"It is not only a historic event but also a new reality," assessed Swedish commander Lt. Col. Henrik Rosdahl, highlighting Sweden's contribution to the defense of the Baltic Sea region.
Sweden, which joined NATO in 2024, sent its soldiers to another member state for the first time.
The multinational NATO force in Latvia includes troops from several countries, with the largest groups being Canadians and Danes. The unit, stationed at the Adazi base since 2017, was upgraded to brigade level in 2024. It is expected to achieve full combat readiness in 2026 with over 3,500 soldiers.
