Latvia in NATO Missions

In 2006 10 years will be passed since Latvian soldiers participate in international peace-keeping operations.

• During these years participation of the National Armed Forces (NAF) in strengthening and maintaining international security has become a significant part of the development of the Latvian National Armed Forces. In 2006 soldiers of the NAF participate in international operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia - Herzegovina, and Georgia;
• Latvia has been taking part in NATO operation in Afghanistan (International Security Assistance Forces - ISAF) since 2003. Latvian soldiers in operation in Afghanistan neutralize unexploded ordnance, perform function of  field-officers and guard unit. 36 Latvian soldiers take part in this operation (according to data from November 1, 2006);
• Latvia has been participating in NATO operation in Kosovo (Kosovo Forces - KFOR) since  2000. Latvian soldiers in KFOR operation perform functions of military police and field-officers. 10 Latvian soldiers take part in this operation (according to data from June 1, 2006);
• Since 2003 Latvia has been participating in operation in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom - OIF) led by coalition forces. Latvian soldiers in OIF operation perform functions of infantry unit and field-officers. 120 Latvian soldiers take part in this operation (according to data from June 1, 2006);
• Since 1996 Latvia has been participating in the European Union (EU) operation EUFOR - ALTHEA (European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) in Bosnia - Herzegovina. Latvian two soldiers in EUFOR - ALTHEA operation perform function of field-officers;
• From 2000 until September 2006, Latvia  participated in international observation operation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Georgia. Latvian soldiers operated in this operation as international military observer;
• After joining NATO the contribution of Latvia to international operations is considerably increased - according to data from November 1, 2006, 168 Latvian soldier participates in different international operations  (compared to 97 on average in 2003), 7,74 million lats or 11,05 million euros from the defense budget in 2006 are allocated to participation of Latvian soldiers in international operations, compared to 2,56 million lats or 3,66 million euros in 2003. 
• From July 1, 2006 Latvia with its NAF Unexploded Ordnance Neutralization Team will participate in NATO Rapid Reaction Force, however, from January 1, 2008 Latvia also delegates its Military Police Team. In addition, a countermine naval ship will be prepared for participation in NATO Response Force.

Latvia gives support to and shares its experience with partner states.

Preparing for NATO membership Latvia gained valuable experience that now could be useful for those countries that initiate reforms of their defence sector and would like to develop closer relationship with NATO and the EU. Therefore, Latvia particularly co-operates with South Causasian countries, especially with Georgia, as well as Ukraine and Moldova. Co-operation projects with West Balkan countries are developed as well. Continuing the traditional bilateral co-operation with countries implementing reforms of defence sector, the MoD and the NAF evolve additional co-operation in three main fields: 1) training of personnel in partner states (BALTDEFCOL training, in military education establishments in Latvia) 2) consultations for defence department experts on reform issues, 3)strengthening of military capacity (appraisal of partnerstates' armed forces, donations of armament and equipment).