Swedish Battalion Officially Joins NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia
The Swedish Army officially began its first deployment as a NATO ally on February 7, with the South Scanian Regiment’s 71st Mechanized Infantry Battalion now under NATO command as part of NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia.
The transfer of authority ceremony at the Battlegroup’s headquarters in Adazi was attended by senior Swedish officials including Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Minister of Defence Pål Jonsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, and Chief of Defence General Michael Claesson. Also in attendance were Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.
In a press conference after the ceremony, General Claesson said he was proud to be in Latvia for the transfer of authority, expressing his confidence in the capabilities of the battalion not just to deter, but to “fight tonight”. He praised the training done by the battalion to build its interoperability with the rest of the battlegroup since their arrival on January 18, adding that “the greatest thing of all is the interoperability of minds”.
According to Sweden’s defense ministry, the battalion is currently deployed in a reduced battalion strength of around 500 soldiers, with some units and capabilities remaining in Sweden, but capable of rapid deployment to Latvia should the need arise. While “employer responsibility” of the battalion will remain Swedish, the Canadian brigade commander has the same authority as a Swedish brigade commander would have over the battalion in Sweden.
“Having a Swedish battalion in place in Latvia underscores that we are taking our responsibility as members of NATO. This is part of the new normal for the army. Our mission is to defend Sweden and our allies”, says Swedish Army chief Major General Jonny Lindfors.
“Their Swedish battalion is a valued addition to our combat-ready force, enhancing our collective defence efforts and strengthening regional security. It’s truly inspiring to witness all nations collaborating towards our shared mission”, stated Colonel Cédric Aspirault, commander of the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.