Latvian Namejs 2024 Exercise Boosts Readiness

Roughly 11,000 Latvian and allied troops are currently involved in a month-long military exercise aimed at enhancing the country's readiness.

Exercise Namejs 2024 began on Tuesday and runs until October 8. Organised in collaboration with NATO, other allies involved include troops from United States, Estonia, Lithuania, and Canada, plus multinational battle groups making up part of the Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Latvia's NATO Multinational Brigade Headquarters and Force Integration Unit.

The exercise, which involves every branch of Latvia's armed forces including conscript soldiers and reservists, will also be supported by the Joint Expeditionary Force and representatives from various NATO headquarters.

The Namejs exercises have been running annually since 2014 and are named after a 13th-century Latvian chieftain. The manoeuvres will see soldiers and military equipment using both Latvia's main and regional roads, live-fire exercises in training areas and low-flying sorties by military aircraft.

A statement released on the Latvian Armed Forces website read: "The regular conduct of military exercises plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, which must always be at a high level.

"The Armed Forces must always be ready to respond promptly and effectively to potential threats and ensure Latvia's security. Strengthening cooperation with state and municipal institutions, various sectoral businesses, and their involvement in the exercises strengthens Latvia's comprehensive national defense system."

• You can read more about Namejs 2024 on the Latvian Armed Forces website