Køge Havn Søndag den 24. april 2022

The Ark Dania is ready for the Armed Forces' employees to drive vehicles and equipment on board. Photo: Niels Porsbøl / The Armed Forces

By the Defense Command

 

Hundreds of vehicles and military equipment have been transported to Køge harbour all weekend and are now marched up on the quay, ready to be loaded onto large transport ships.

 

Køge Havn Søndag den 24. april 2022

A Piranha V armored personnel carrier drives aboard the transport ship. Photo: Niels Porsbøl / The Armed Forces

 

The temporary military area at Køge harbour is the starting point for the military vehicles, and the entire operation takes place in close cooperation with the Danish Armed Forces, the Home Guard and the police.

 

From the temporary military area in Køge the military equipment is sailed to Latvia escorted by the Danish frigate Esbern Snare.

 

In Latvia, military equipment and crew will assemble next week and will then be deployed in NATO's contingent in the Baltics.

 

Military equipment for about 750 soldiers

The deployment comes after the Danish Parliament on Thursday gave the government its consent to a Danish military contribution to be made available for NATO's contingent in the Baltics.

 

Køge Havn Søndag den 24. april 2022

The many large vehicles on one of the transport ship's car deck. Photo: Niels Porsbøl / The Armed Forces.

 

The total Danish contribution will consist of about 750 soldiers in units comprising a battalion-strength configuration with necessary support functions. The Danish forces in Latvia will play an important role in securing NATO's eastern flank by deterring threats and, if necessary, responding to military aggression against our allies. The deployment of Danish soldiers in Latvia is a natural continuation of the cooperation Danish and Baltic soldiers have had in recent international missions and training.

 

Through both the British-led battle group in Estonia and the forthcoming combat battalion with support units in Latvia, Danish soldiers form a crucial part of NATO's presence in the Baltics.