Restrictions will continue in Latvian airspace near the eastern border with Belarus and Russia

Continuing restrictions in Latvia's airspace zone on the eastern border with Belarus and Russia, from Thursday, September 18, to October 8, the airspace will be closed during the hours of darkness from 20.00 to 07.00 (8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m).

"Restrictions in Latvian airspace near the Russian and Belarusian borders enable the National Armed Forces to fully control the restricted airspace and intensively test acoustic airspace surveillance systems, conduct drone and anti-drone simulations, and deploy and train mobile combat units. After assessing the risks, a decision has been made to continue the restrictions only during the hours of darkness, when the risk of threat is greatest," explains Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.

It has already been reported that from September 11 to September 18, Latvia's airspace zone along the eastern border with Belarus and Russia was closed. According to the assessment of the National Armed Forces, there is no immediate military threat to Latvia. However, during the comprehensive national defence exercise “Namejs 2025”, the National Armed Forces remain on high alert. To reduce the drone threat, National Armed Forces air defence units are permanently on duty in the eastern border area to shoot down aggressor-state drones if necessary. The NATO Air Policing mission has also been reinforced, and new acoustic airspace monitoring systems are being introduced. Over the past year, amendments have been made to legislation which, in cooperation with “Latvijas gaisa satiksme”, allow rapid closure of airspace in threatened areas. Additional changes have also been introduced to strengthen flight control in Latvia’s eastern airspace.

During the comprehensive national defence exercise “Namejs 2025”, the Minister of Defence has instructed the National Armed Forces to enhance readiness to ensure strengthened monitoring of Latvia’s air, information, and cyber domains, as well as to carry out the notification of all National Guard members in order to determine their readiness to report to their units and perform combat tasks.

The National Armed Forces’ comprehensive national defence exercise “Namejs 2025” is taking place from September 2 to October 8 throughout Latvia. Soldiers and National Guard members from all National Armed Forces’ units are participating, including national defence service soldiers, reserve soldiers, and allied armed forces personnel.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv