Danish battlegroup in Latvia now transferred to NATO brigade

Following its arrival at Camp Valdemar, the Danish battlegroup has now been transferred to the Canadian-led NATO brigade in Latvia. The transfer took place during a parade on Wednesday.

August 14, 2026 - 09:30
Chefen for den canadisk ledede brigade, oberst David Brassard (til højre), chefen for den danske kampbataljon, oberstløjtnant Karina Wøbbe (i midten) og afgående chef for Hold 2b, oberstløjtnant Jimmi Holst.

The commander of the Canadian-led brigade, Colonel Brassard (right), the commander of the Danish battlegroup, Lieutenant Colonel Wøbbe (centre), and the outgoing commander of Rotation 2b, Lieutenant Colonel. Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence

By Defence Command Denmark

 

At a ceremony – the Transfer of Authority (TOA) – at Camp Valdemar in Latvia on Wednesday, the Danish battlegroup was officially transferred to the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA).

 

The battlegroup’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Karina Wøbbe, is pleased that the battlegroup can now begin its mission and train alongside its allied units:

 

“Together with Latvia and our NATO Allies, we stand strong and united in our shared mission: to deter any potential adversaries and, if necessary, defend Latvia against a threat from the east,” the commanding officer says, continuing:

 

“Over the coming months, we will strengthen our cooperation with our NATO Allies and build the trust and cohesion that are essential to carrying out our shared mission. This will require discipline, commitment and teamwork, but I have full confidence that together we will be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

 

Chefen for den danske kampbataljon, oberstløjtnant Karina Wøbbe, takkede soldaterne på Hold 2b for deres indsats og ønskede dem en god rejse hjem til Danmark.

The commanding officer of the Danish battlegroup, Lieutenant Colonel Karina Wøbbe, thanked the soldiers of Rotation 2b for their efforts and wished them a safe journey home to Denmark. Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence

 

In addition to Canadian and Danish units, NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia comprises soldiers from 12 other NATO nations. The Danish battlegroup will make up a significant part of the brigade’s manoeuvre units. The commander of the Canadian-led brigade, Colonel David Brassard, welcomed the arrival of the Danish battlegroup.

 

“We are pleased to welcome the Danish battlegroup to MNB-LVA. Their arrival strengthens the brigade’s multinational character and demonstrates Denmark’s strong commitment to NATO’s collective defence. The Danish soldiers bring valuable experience and capabilities that strengthen our readiness and enhance our ability to deter threats and defend Allied territory. Together, we will train, learn from one another and stand ready as one team in support of regional security.”

 

Chefen for den canadisk ledede brigade, oberst David Brassard, understregede at han ser frem til det kommende samarbejde med de danske enheder.

The commander of the Canadian-led brigade, Colonel David Brassard, emphasised that he looks forward to the cooperation with the Danish units in the months ahead. Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence

 

The Canadian-led brigade is part of the Danish-led NATO Multinational Division North. The division commander, Major General Ulrich Essemann-Beck, is likewise pleased with the arrival of the Danish soldiers and their presence in Latvia:

 

“As commander of Multinational Division North, I have looked forward to welcoming the Danish battlegroup to Latvia. As with previous rotations, the opportunity for close training with our Allies will benefit the soldiers themselves as well as the Danish Defence. In addition, their presence underlines that Denmark stands side by side with the Latvian people in facing any threat. This is essential to both our collective security and that of NATO.”

 

The transfer of the battlegroup also means that the infantry company from the Guard Hussar Regiment, which was deployed earlier this summer, can now return home to Denmark. The outgoing commander of Rotation 2b, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmi Holst, is proud of the efforts made by the soldiers and welcomes the new rotation:

 

“Rotation 2b took on the responsibility and fulfilled its mission at short notice – something we can rightly be proud of. At the same time, we are proud to hand over the baton to Rotation 3, and I am confident that they will carry out the mission with the same high level of professionalism and commitment. I am sure that Rotation 3 will contribute to strengthening the brigade’s combat capability while further developing the close and strong cooperation we have with our Latvian Allies and friends.”

 

Afgående chef for Hold 2b, oberstløjtnant Jimmi Holst, sendte i sin tale også en tak til både Canada og Letland for samarbejdet.

In his speech, the outgoing commander of Rotation 2b, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmi Holst, also thanked both Canada and Latvia for their cooperation. Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence

 

The Danish Ambassador to Latvia, Morten Jespersen, also attended the ceremony. He pointed out that the transfer is a strong symbol of Allied solidarity.

 

“Denmark’s military presence in Latvia makes an important contribution to the defence of NATO’s eastern flank and is highly valued in Latvia and across NATO. With today’s transfer of authority over a full Danish battlegroup to NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia, the forces are now part of the collective defence. Together with the decision to extend our presence from approximately four to approximately six months and Denmark’s leadership of NATO’s Multinational Division North in Latvia, Denmark is making a decisive contribution.”

 

Den danske ambassadør til Letland, Morten Jespersen var også til stede ved ceremonien. Her ses han med en canadisk oberst.

The Danish Ambassador to Latvia, Morten Jespersen, also attended the ceremony. Here he is seen with a Canadian colonel. Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence