Politics

Swedish troops join forces in Latvia in first mission in NATO

Photo: X/@NationalDefence
The milestone comes less than a year after Sweden joined the alliance. Photo: PAP/EPA/VALDA KALNINA
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Swedish soldiers have officially joined NATO troops in Latvia as part of the Scandinavian country’s first mission as a member of the military alliance, which it joined last March.

Command of a battalion of over 500 Swedish troops, which arrived in Latvia last month, was transferred to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia on Friday. 


The Canadian-led brigade, which called the deployment a “significant milestone,” is made up of around 3,000 soldiers from several NATO member states. 


Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: “Sweden’s soldiers are an integral part of NATO's deterrence and defense here in Latvia, and together with allied colleagues we will make not only Latvia and Sweden safer, but actually the entire alliance.” 


Swedish army chief Jonny Lindfors added: “Having a Swedish battalion in place in Latvia underscores that we are taking our responsibility as members of NATO. This is part of the new normal for the army. Our mission is to defend Sweden and our allies.” 


Sweden’s deployment in Latvia comes less than a year after Stockholm abandoned its official neutral stance and became the 32nd member of NATO, a process largely triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. 


Finland also applied to join the military alliance in response to Moscow’s invasion, and was granted membership in 2023. 

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