Military Capabilities
NAF capability to safeguard Latvia’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty in case of an armed conflict is the cornerstone of military component of national defence. According to National Defence Concept, approved in 2023, state of Latvia must defend Latvia’s territory and people from border to border.
Current global processes have forced Latvia to focus on defence capabilities that will enhance rapid response of NAF and ensure high readiness of forces. NAF Development Plan for 2025-2036, adopted on 23 July 2024, sets development of layered air defence capabilities, long-range rocket artillery capabilities, coastal defence missile capabilities, further mechanising of Land Forces through introduction of infantry combat vehicles as its priorities, focusing also on development of unmanned aerial vehicles of various types, guided projectiles and anti-drone capabilities. Further upgrade of army logistics and support system is also crucial for acquiring necessary weapons systems, ammunition, food, fuel, personal and shared equipment, medical supplies. This would also require stockpiling of materials and technologies, construction of special infrastructure.
Military strengthening and counter-mobility measures on the eastern border are an emerging defence priority that requires defence capability development adjustments to allow Latvia to mitigate the existing threats. In March of 2024, to address this priority, Latvia adopted the Eastern Border Military Strengthening and Counter-Mobility Plan. Plan envisages deployment of counter-mobility infrastructure, destruction of specific roads, construction of anti-tank ditches. It will also identify and provide for safe storage facilities for explosives, mines, engineering and technical supplies, strategic for rapid deployment to defence line.
Growth of NAF regular and reserve system is an on-going priority. It will ensure that active service enlists 31 000 troops, while reserve army of 30 000 will be ready to join them at any time. NAF combat capabilities are provided through professional service units, National Guard or territorial force, state defence service, active and regular army reserve. Active reserve members are required to attend annual training for five years. This allows to maintain a high level of necessary competencies and skills. Regular reserve soldiers are required to attend training once every four years. State defence service, launched in 2023, will ensure the enlistment of necessary manpower to reach the capability development goals and meet NAF operational responsibilities. It has allowed to increase the recruitment volumes and will train soldiers for active and regular serve units, contributing to the overall transformation and restructuring of the armed forces.
Readiness culture is available to all citizens of Latvia who are encouraged to contribute to it from early school age, through Cadet Force or Oskars Kalpaks Military College that offers vocational education at the secondary level. Since 2024/2025 academic year, national defence is part of the general secondary and vocational education curricula across all Latvian schools. Young people learn the basic military skills and can prepare for state defence service that requires special competencies. National defence education programme and state defence camps will allow to identify potential future leaders who could become junior commanding officers of the state defence service or professional service early on. Once they reach full age, Latvian citizens are encouraged to join state defence service, with future career in professional army or National Guard.