A Danish infantry company has arrived at Lielvarde Air Base in Latvia. According to a press release from the Danish Defence (Forsvaret), the arrival marks the start of Denmark's enhanced military presence in the country as part of NATO's forward defence posture.
As Nordic Defence Sector previously reported, the Danish government decided last week to reinforce the contribution with an infantry company and simultaneously extend the upcoming battalion's deployment to January 2027, following a request from Latvia.
The infantry company will be deployed at Camp Valdemar until the beginning of August, when the planned Danish combat battalion takes over. The battalion will subsequently be stationed in Latvia until January 2027.
As a Dane, I am proud to once again welcome Danish soldiers to Latvia. Denmark is once again contributing to strengthening military deterrence and defence capability in a country that means a great deal to Latvia and its people, says Denmark's Ambassador to Latvia, Morten Jespersen, in a press release from the Danish Defence (Forsvaret).
According to the Danish Defence, Danish forces have been deployed at Camp Valdemar during autumn rotation periods, conducting exercises together with Latvian units and other NATO formations, as well as participating in readiness and presence tasks since 2024.
The Danish contribution also complements the Danish-led NATO headquarters Multinational Division North, which is also based in Latvia.