International operations
National Armed Forces units, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the documents of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), participate in international operations upon the resolution, recommendation or request of international organisations of which the Republic of Latvia is a member or with which the Republic of Latvia cooperates, as well as upon the request of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) or European Union (EU) member state.
National Armed Forces units participate in international peacekeeping, peace enforcement, military operations and training missions (the purpose of which is to exercise the right to collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter) under a mandate approved by the UN or another international organisation or in accordance with international treaties binding on the Republic of Latvia and the laws of the Republic of Latvia, as well as by a decision of the Saeima, the Cabinet of Ministers or, in the case specifically provided for by law, the Minister of Defence on the participation of units of the National Armed Forces in international operations.
The Cabinet of Ministers decides on the participation of the National Armed Forces in international rescue operations and international humanitarian missions and operations. At the request of a foreign State on the need for emergency assistance, the Minister of Defence may take a decision on the participation of certain specially trained units of the National Armed Forces in international rescue operations and international humanitarian missions and operations in NATO or EU Member States.
The Republic of Latvia may establish joint military units with the European Union and NATO, as well as with other countries.
Units of the National Armed Forces may, in accordance with a decision of the Saeima, be placed under the responsibility of the international organisation or state conducting the international operation - for the conduct of international operations for a period and under conditions determined by a decision of the Saeima. Units of the National Armed Forces shall participate in the rapid reaction forces in accordance with NATO or EU documents, international agreements binding on the Republic of Latvia and the laws of the Republic of Latvia.
International operations and rapid reaction forces involve military formations of the National Armed Forces and military formations specifically established for the duration of the operation or rapid reaction force. A military formation is composed of soldiers, non-commissioned officers and military personnel of professional service. Before taking part in an international operation and in a rapid reaction force, personnel of a military formation undergoes a training course.
By signing a professional service contract, a soldier undertakes to perform military service in good faith, including in international operations. Of course, a soldier has the option to either refuse to participate in an operation and choose to serve in an NBS unit which is not included in international operations, or to retire as reserve. The decision to opt out must be taken before the soldier begins training for participation in the operation.
The Ministry of Defence provides the military formation with material, technical and financial resources. The Ministry of Defence may agree with the Ministry of Defence of another State, the armed forces or an international organisation on supplying the material and technical support of a military formation.
Currently, members of the Latvian Armed Forces are serving in the following international military operations and missions: EUMAM UA - EU military support mission to Ukraine, EUNAVFOR Aspides - EU operation in the Red Sea (participation planned for 2024), EUNAVFOR MED IRINI - EU naval operation in the Mediterranean, UNTSO - UN Truce Supervision Organisation Mission in Israel, UNIFIL - UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon, KFOR - NATO Operation in Kosovo, NMI - NATO Mission in Iraq, Inherent Resolve - Coalition-led operation to defeat ISIL, IMSC SENTINEL - International Maritime Security Restoration Initiative-led coalition operation in the Strait of Hormuz.