The Danish government has decided to send a battalion contribution of up to 850 soldiers to Latvia in the second half of 2026. The contribution forms part of NATO's force model, the NATO Force Model (NFM).
The Danish Ministry of Defence states that the decision was taken following consultation with the Foreign Policy Committee on 17 June 2026. The stated background is the security situation in Europe, including in the Baltic Sea region.
During the deployment, the battalion contribution will be attached to the multinational, Canadian-led brigade in Latvia, which forms part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence on the eastern flank. The contribution is expected to participate in a number of multinational exercises during the deployment period.
"The Danish soldiers contribute to NATO's collective defence and deterrence. They will demonstrate that Denmark and NATO are prepared and willing to defend alliance territory, should that become necessary. Our security does not begin at the Danish border. It begins in Latvia, side by side with our allies," says Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus in the press release.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen states that Denmark is thereby contributing to NATO's military presence in the Baltic region, describing it as an expression of cooperation between Denmark, NATO, and the Baltic states.
Denmark's Supreme Commander, General Michael Hyldgaard, states that Denmark maintains a year-round presence in the Baltic states and that Denmark, as framework nation for NATO's division in Latvia, plays a key role in the region.
The Ministry of Defence states that since 2024, Denmark has each year committed a combat battalion of between 700 and 1,200 soldiers for a period of between four and six months. The battalion will initially be based in Latvia, but may if necessary participate in exercise activities in the other Baltic states.
In addition to the battalion contribution, a decision has also been taken to send a naval mine countermeasures module to NATO's standing naval forces. The module is stated to be deployable during crises or periods of tension, for the surveillance and protection of critical maritime infrastructure, and for the clearance of sea mines dating from the First and Second World Wars.