Danish Battalion Battle Group Arrives in Latvia

By the Danish Defence Command

More than 800 soldiers and vehicles have now arrived at the Danish camp, Camp Valdemar, in Latvia. This marks the completion of the deployment of the Danish Battalion Battle Group to Latvia. 

"We are pleased that the deployment has been completed and proceeded according to plan" says the commander of the Danish battalion battle group, Lieutenant Colonel Karina Wøbbe. "Now, the soldiers will begin preparing their equipment, settling into the camp, and familiarizing themselves with the area."

Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence

Last week, the numerous vehicles and other military equipment were loaded onto a transport ship in Denmark and subsequently sailed to Latvia. As the transport sailed across the Baltic Sea, it was escorted by the Danish frigate “Esbern Snare”, the Swedish corvette “Nyköping” and a British P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. 

This escort exercise, Baltic Express, was coordinated by the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), and aimed to demonstrate unity and shared resolve among Denmark and its allies during the transit to Latvia.

I would like to extend my gratitude to JEF for the framework they have established in support of our deployment. The strong cooperation between Denmark and our fellow JEF nations has been instrumental in ensuring the safe and timely delivery of our equipment to Latvia." - Karina Wøbbe

"Through the coordinated and effective military activities in the JEF framework we can support the timely reinforcement of our allies whenever and wherever required. This maritime escort demonstrates not only the strength of the JEF coalition but also our ability to ensure the protection and secure movement of forces through the Baltic region," says the Commanding Officer of the Danish frigate Esbern Snare, Ole Frandsen, Commander Senior Grade.

The main fighting force deployed from Denmark to Latvia with a combined transport and tanker aircraft from the multinational MRTT unit that Denmark is a part of. The main fighting force flight was escorted by Danish, Swedish and Turkish fighter jets. 

In Latvia, the battle group and its equipment will now form part of the Danish contribution to the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.

Photo: Theis Nielsen / Danish Defence

The battalion battle group is part of NATO’s readiness posture in Latvia and will participate in training alongside other units within the Canadian-led brigade, to which the Danish battalion battle group belongs. A series of exercises over the next months aim to boost the brigade's combat capability, demonstrate a visible presence and allow the troops to train in the Latvian terrain.

"With our deployment to Latvia, we are demonstrating Denmark's commitment to a strong collective defense of NATO's eastern flank, thereby deterring potential adversaries from attacking our allies," says Karina Wøbbe.

The battle group can look forward to training in a complex operational environment, with the aim of strengthening and honing military skills together with allied units.

"This marks the fifth time Denmark has deployed a battalion battle group to Latvia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022; in doing so, we show the Latvian people that Denmark is ready to support them against a potential aggressor," concludes Karina Wøbbe.