Military presence in Latvia is set to increase, as announced by Spruďds.

The Baltic States are set to witness a significant military expansion, with Sweden and Canada strengthening their presence in Latvia.

Sweden has confirmed a battalion-sized presence in Latvia, which could amount to up to 800 Swedish soldiers. The Swedish contingent is expected to start next year, marking a new chapter in the Baltic region's security landscape.

Meanwhile, Canada is making strides in increasing its military footprint in Latvia. An agreement has been reached with Canada to ensure 2,200 Canadian soldiers will be in Latvia in 2026. Currently, around 600 Canadian soldiers are stationed at the Ādaži military base in Latvia, and a new base for a brigade-sized NATO unit - 700 Canadian soldiers - is being built in Ceri of Mārupe municipality.

The Sēlija military base, considered a very important strategic infrastructure site, is being developed to accommodate these growing forces. The first round of development for the Sēlija military base is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Once fully operational, the Sēlija military base will be the largest military training zone in the Baltic States, covering an area of 25,000 hectares. This size will allow for more extensive international military exercises.

The Sēlija military base, currently under construction, will also be capable of accommodating a brigade-sized NATO unit. The base's strategic location and size make it a valuable asset for NATO's collective defence and deterrence efforts in the region.

The Latvian minister has stated they are actively partnering with allies to increase their presence. This partnership is not limited to Sweden and Canada, as the minister did not provide specific information about the presence of troops from other allies. However, the expansion of the Ādaži base of the National Armed Forces (NBS) suggests that more allies may be involved in strengthening Latvia's military capabilities.

The development of these military bases is a testament to the strong commitment of Sweden, Canada, and Latvia to regional security and stability. As the Baltic States continue to navigate geopolitical challenges, these military expansions are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the region.