Latvia prepared to defend the Baltic region

A Spanish-supplied battery of the NASAMS surface-to-air missile system was deployed at the base of the Air Force of the National Armed Forces of Latvia in Lielvarde. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Latvia.

They explained that the weapons were deployed in connection with the need to strengthen the defense capability of the Baltic region.

Together with NATO allies, we are starting to form a brigade of international forces in Latvia. Even before the Madrid summit, it was clear that our allies were ready to meet today's security challenges in the Baltic region. The deployment of modern air defense systems in Latvia, thanks to the determination of the Spanish government, is a clear confirmation that our defense and security are in the interests of the entire alliance,” said Defense Minister Artis Pabriks.

He noted that along with the anti-aircraft missile battery (SAM), 85 soldiers of the Spanish armed forces also arrived in Latvia, who joined the approximately 500 Spanish soldiers already in the Baltic countries.

The battery of the Norwegian NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system is a medium-range air defense system with a range of up to 100 kilometers, which includes missiles, radar and command personnel, as well as maintenance personnel in units of 100 people.

The Latvian army currently has RBS-70 and Stinger missile systems in direct operation. This weapon can shoot at a height of up to five kilometers.