Canadian military equipment arrives in Latvia in support of Operation REASSURANCE
News Release
May 6, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Canadian military equipment in support of Operation REASSURANCE arrived in the Port of Riga, Latvia, today as preparations continue for the June deployment of the multinational battlegroup as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
Today’s arrival of equipment demonstrates that Canada is on time and on track to fulfill its commitment to NATO. Some of the military kit will be utilized during the construction of facilities such as accommodation and vehicle maintenance bays at Camp Adazi, where the multinational battlegroup will be based. Other gear such as logistics and communications equipment, combat service support vehicles, and Light Armoured Vehicles will be used by Canadian soldiers once they deploy next month.
Canada is leading the establishment of a multinational NATO battlegroup in Latvia — one of four such battlegroups deployed in the Baltic States and Poland — in support of NATO’s strengthened deterrence and defence posture. The battlegroup will be comprised of military personnel from Albania, Canada, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain. The battlegroup aims to preserve stability and prevent conflict, while sending an unmistakable message: NATO stands as one.
Quotes
“Putting all this together in a very short timeframe is an impressive task. Latvian and Canadian militaries will be working closely together to ensure that Camp Adazi will be ready to receive the 1200 Alliance troops that make up the Canadian-led battlegroup.”
— Colonel Josh Major, Commander Joint Task Force - Europe
“Camp Adazi stands ready to receive the start of the actual deployment of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Latvia. It is the beginning of the final phase — a very interesting and challenging one. With everyone working as one — as our brigade motto is “Strength in Unity” — we will be successful in receiving the NATO battlegroup.”
— Colonel Ilmārs A Lejiņš, Commander Latvian Land Forces Infantry Brigade
Quick Facts
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As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, Canada will contribute a Land Task Force of up to 455 personnel, including a battlegroup headquarters element, a mechanized infantry company, combat service support, vehicles, and equipment based at Camp Adazi in Latvia.
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The multinational battlegroup will train as an integrated part of the Latvian Land Forces Infantry Brigade to refine its operations as part of a defensive and proportionate response to the evolving security environment in the region.
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Operation REASSURANCE is the broad heading of military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces in support of NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
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During Operation REASSURANCE, Canada will continue to participate in joint, multi-national training exercises which provide important opportunities to strengthen military-to-military and diplomatic relationships, as well as to promote shared security principles, defence professionalization, and capacity building among the participating nations.
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Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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