Swedish Armed Forces demonstrate readiness to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank at the "Ādaži" military base

On Sunday, May 10, a unit of professional and conscript soldiers from the Swedish Armed Forces arrived in Latvia to participate in the international exercise “AURORA 26” at the “Ādaži” military base. The goal of the exercise is to improve the interoperability of allied forces and to demonstrate in practice Sweden’s ever-increasing role in strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense policy in the Baltic region. For the Swedish conscripts, these were also their first military exercises outside of Sweden.

During the event, Major General Johan Pekkari, Chief of Directorate of Strategic Plans and Policy of the Swedish Armed Forces, gave a presentation on Sweden’s strategic vision within the alliance, particularly emphasizing the country’s contribution to strengthening regional security. He stressed that Sweden’s national exercises at the “Ādaži” military base are closely linked to the country’s commitment to providing a stable and predictable defense presence in the Baltic region, thereby supporting the reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank and collective security as a whole.

During the practical training, two national exercises were demonstrated – a logistics operation and unit integration training. These tested the movement of personnel and equipment from the Skåne region in Sweden to camp “Valdemārs” at the “Ādaži” military base in Latvia, as well as the reinforcement of battalion combat capabilities in a situation where part of the units are already involved in an active combat simulation. A significant role in these processes is played by both professional and conscript soldiers, whose experience in the Swedish Armed Forces resonates with the State Defense Service introduced in Latvia.

The “AURORA 26” exercise, involving approximately 18,000 soldiers, serves as a platform for refining new technologies and tactics. Cooperation between the Swedish and Latvian armed forces is becoming increasingly closer, creating a secure foundation for regional stability. As Swedish representatives emphasized – this presence is a testament to the fact that collective security is no longer just a choice, but a deliberate and powerful action.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335129
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv