Swedish Army Begins First NATO Deployment With Multinational Brigade in Latvia
A battalion of mechanized infantry from Sweden’s South Scanian Regiment became the nation’s first troops to participate in a NATO mission, with the battalion arriving in Latvia on January 18, for its inaugural deployment as part of NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
Sweden’s contribution of troops to the Multinational Brigade in Latvia is the first time the country has joined a NATO mission following its entry into the alliance on March 7, 2024.
The arrival of the troops and their equipment at the port of Riga was marked with a ceremony attended by Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Sprūds, Commander of Multinational Division North Major General Jette Albinus, Commander of Multinational Brigade Latvia Colonel Cédric Aspirault, and the commander of the Swedish 71st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl.
“We are honoured to be here, and we are committed and ready to contribute to NATO’s collective defence and deterrence efforts in the region. It is history in the making, but also the new normal for us. We look forward to the important task that is ahead of us, and we take great pride in doing it together as Allies”, says Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, Commander of the 71st Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
“The number of Allied soldiers and military equipment continues to increase in Latvia. Sweden’s accession to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia is a clear sign that the Alliance is united, and any hostile actions by Russia will be followed by a clear response. I am convinced that our joint military exercises will provide excellent experience for both us and our Allies,” Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds said.
“We welcome the Swedish Mechanized Infantry battalion to the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia,” said Colonel Cédric Aspirault, Commander of the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia. “Their presence is a valued addition to our combat-ready force, enhancing our collective defence efforts and strengthening regional security. Every contributing nation directly impacts the success of the Brigade, demonstrating a solid alliance and willpower to protect the peace of our world”.
The official start of Sweden’s participation in the Multinational Brigade in Latvia will be marked with a Transfer of Authority ceremony to be held at a later date.