RIGA - Seven new battalions will be formed in the National Armed Forces (NAF) to strengthen Latvia's security in the coming years, Latvia's Chief of Defense, Lt. Gen. Leonids Kalnins informed reporters on Monday.
Kalnins has signed an order for the creation of three new battalions.
The first is a high-readiness reserve infantry battalion, which will be formed within the Mechanized Brigade. The battalion will become operational in June to ensure the integration of soldiers retired from national defense service into the unit. The battalion will be stationed at the Adazi military base.
It is the first of five new battalions aimed at creating a more effective mobilization reserve. Kalnins told LETA that each brigade will have battalions of this time and each unit will have 1,000 to 1,400 soldiers - national defense service graduates and reservists. The remaining four units are planned to be formed by 2028 and will mainly be deployed in Selija.
The second new special support battalion will be established under the direct command of the NAF and will be specializing in high-tech to ensure full information gathering for correct and timely decision-making. This battalion is expected to reach operational readiness in early 2025.
The third new battalion will be part of the National Guard and provide an enhanced electronic warfare capability. It will bring together the cyber defense capabilities of the National Guard.
The two battalions will have 300 to 600 soldiers each.
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