Canada to contribute EUR 64 million to military infrastructure development in Latvia

RIGA - Canada will contribute EUR 64 million to the development of military infrastructure in Latvia, LETA was told at the Defense Ministry.

Foundation stones for new military infrastructure facilities in Lielvarde and Riga were laid at a ceremony on Wednesday.

The investment demonstrates Canada's long-term commitment to strengthening the security of Latvia and NATO's eastern flank.

Canada has already contributed and committed more than EUR 315 million to the development of military infrastructure in Latvia, including at the military bases in Adazi, Ceri, and Lielvarde.

The new projects will significantly expand the operational capabilities of the NATO Multinational Brigade and improve Latvia's ability to host allied forces.

The largest part of the new contribution - EUR 33 million - will be spent on the construction of a helipad and airfield infrastructure at the Lielvarde military base.

The base will include hangars, maintenance facilities, and offices for the Canadian Tactical Air Unit. The new infrastructure will provide the capability to simultaneously service up to six CH-146 Griffon and four CH-147 Chinook helicopters, as well as accommodate CC-177 Globemaster strategic transport aircraft.

Meanwhile, EUR 30 million will be invested in two residential buildings in Lielvarde to provide quality living conditions for Canadian Armed Forces personnel. Each building will accommodate 152 soldiers on a daily basis, with the capacity to be increased to 304 if required. In parallel, the construction of a third residential building in Riga will start.

Canada, as the framework nation for the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, cooperates with the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) and allies from 13 other countries. Investments in infrastructure, equipment, and joint training strengthen the Brigade's ability to respond quickly and effectively to ensure the security of Latvia and the region.