Sweden's joining of NATO forces in Latvia will open new opportunities for defense industry cooperation - Silina

RIGA - The joining of Sweden to the NATO forces in Latvia will open new opportunities for cooperation in the defense industry and innovation research projects, believes Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).

As the State Chancellery informed LETA, Silina attended a ceremony at the Adazi military base on Friday marking the accession of the Swedish Mechanized Infantry Battalion to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.

The Prime Minister said that the Swedish troops joining the NATO force in Latvia is a historic event for Latvia and all Allies, as this is Sweden's first NATO mission since joining the Alliance. "The deployment of the Swedish forces in Latvia is a testament to our close cooperation and contribution to our security," said Silina.

During the ceremony in Adazi, the Swedish Mechanized Infantry Battalion from the South Skane Regiment was officially integrated into the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. The event concluded with a military parade, demonstrating the unity of the Allies and the strengthening of regional security.

"Our closer cooperation also sends a strong message of deterrence. It will also contribute to better coordination at NATO and European level in the region, as well as open new opportunities for cooperation in the defense industry and innovation research projects," the Prime Minister said.

As reported, in mid-January a Swedish Mechanized Infantry Battalion from the South Skane Regiment arrived in Latvia to join the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, as part of the Multinational Division North based in the country.

Around 500 Swedish soldiers will serve with the NATO brigade in Latvia.

This is Sweden's first NATO mission since the country joined the Alliance.