Military exercise “Saber Strike” concluded

The international military exercise "Saber Strike" which started on June 11 concluded on June 21 with closing ceremony. More than 2200 service members from the United States, Latvia, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Norway and Poland have taken part in the exercise at the Adazi Military Training Area.

During field training exercise soldiers trained to perform offensive, delaying and defensive operations within two international battalions, improving cooperation and training to integrate air and land force capabilities. Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish soldiers and U.S. Army forces from 2nd Cavalry Regiment trained together in Latvia-led Kurshi Battalion, whereas the British Army soldiers, Royal Marines, U.S. Marines and Norwegian soldiers were cooperating in British-led Vikings Battalion. During the exercise a fire support was provided by U.S. Marine Corps tanks "Abrams" and 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s howitzers, but the close air support was provided by "A-10" aircrafts, which flew to training area from Lielvarde Military Airbase this year.

“Saber Strike” is an annual U.S. Army Europe led land force and air force joint training exercise, started in 2010. The exercise is included also in NATO led exercise series “Allied Shield”.

Information prepared by:
Daina Ozoliņa
Ministry of the Defence of Latvia
Military Public Affairs Department
Senior Desk Officer of the Media Relations Section
Telephone: 67335224
E-mail:daina.ozolina@mod.gov.lv