Latvia – securing the eastern flank of NATO

Denmark’s security begins in the Baltic region. Denmark therefore contributes to NATO’s deterrence and collective defence on the Alliance’s eastern flank. Denmark leads a NATO headquarters in Latvia and regularly deploys combat battalions to the country.

Danske soldater træner i skoven i Letland

Danish soldiers training in Latvia. Contributing to NATOs presence in the Baltic area Danish troops helps to strengthen security in the region as well as in Denmark. Photo: Frederikke Frederiksen / Danish Armed Forces

The Danish Armed Forces regularly deploy a combat battalion, supported by enabling units, to Latvia as part of NATO’s readiness and deterrence posture.

 

Through its contribution to NATO’s forces, Denmark helps address one of the Alliance’s most significant security challenges arising from Russia’s war against Ukraine and its increasingly assertive presence in the Baltic Sea region. Following redeployment, the Danish combat battalion also forms part of NATO’s readiness forces.

 

The most recent deployment of a Danish combat battalion to Latvia took place in the second half of 2025.

 

Multinational Division North – NATO’s Danish-led headquarters in Latvia

Denmark leads Multinational Division North, NATO’s divisional headquarters in Latvia. In peacetime, the headquarters is located in Ādaži, Latvia, and in Slagelse, Denmark.

 

The headquarters supports the national defence planning of the Baltic states, trains Baltic personnel and coordinates military activities in the region, including NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.

Multinational Division North Multinational Division North

  • Place

    Letland

  • Operation strength

    NATO

  • Period of time

    Fra 2022

  • Current

    Yes