Strategic partner - USA
The United States of America is Latvia's strategic partner and ally. Till the declaration of independence of Latvia in 1991, the USA consistently realized the implementation the policy of non-occupation of Latvia, provided an invaluable contribution to the restoration of Latvia's independence, and facilitated Latvia's integration into NATO and the European Union. Security policy is the basis for bilateral cooperation between Latvia and the United States. Latvian and US state officials maintain regular political dialogue on current developments in the region and international politics.
The US was the first country to launch the Atlantic resolve training operation after Russia's annexation of Crimea in spring 2014 and the aggression in eastern Ukraine, sending a company-level unit to Latvia. The operation aims to demonstrate the continued US contribution to the collective security of NATO members by promoting peace and stability in the Baltic states and Poland. The operation has also been deployed in Romania and Bulgaria. Within the framework of operation Atlantic resolve, each year a helicopter unit of the US Armed Forces arrives in Latvia, contributing to the development of capabilities and skills of the Latvian national Armed Forces.
On 29 June 2022, the US President issued a statement on strengthening the US military presence in Europe, including the Baltic States. In December 2022, the US approved plans for a three-year military presence in Latvia, which will include a continuous, rotational, heel-to-toe presence of US military units and increased participation in military exercises.
Military exercises
NATO launched Steadfast Defender 2024, an international military exercise aimed at deterring Russian aggression, the largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War. The exercise, which started in January 2024 and lasted until the end of May, involved around 90 000 troops from 31 NATO Member States and the candidate country Sweden. "Steadfast Defender consisted of a series of smaller exercises covering an area from North America to NATO's eastern flank close to the Russian border. Training activities also took place in Latvia at different times. The aim of the exercise in Latvia was to improve command and control procedures, coordination, mutual cooperation and interoperability. The exercise also included training on the implementation of regional defence plans. 50 warships, 80 aircraft and more than 1 100 combat vehicles took part. This was the largest NATO exercise since Reforger in 1988.
Latvia is also regularly visited by units of the US Armed Forces, both by conducting individual exercises and by engaging in military exercises taking place in Latvia, for example, during the training “Winter Shield” held in Latvia in November 2020, the unit of the US combat Aviation Brigade participated in combat helicopters.
Baltic Security Initiative
The Baltic Security Initiative is a US Congressionally-approved initiative that sets the total amount of US defence assistance to be provided to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The aim of the US military assistance programmes is to accelerate the development of the NAF's capabilities, increase its combat and response capabilities, and improve the expertise of its personnel.
In 2024, the US Congress approved funding for the Baltic Security Initiative of 228 million USD. In 2023, 225 million USD was allocated to the Baltic States under the Initiative, and in 2022, the amount was 169 million USD. The funding is used for the development of land, air, maritime domains, as well as joint and supporting capabilities.
U.S. State Partnership Program
In April 27, 2023 - 30 years will have passed since the conclusion of the U.S. State Partnership Program between Latvia and the Michigan National Guard. Within the framework of this programme, active co-operation is taking place, promoting the development of the NAF, in particular the National Guard and the Latvian Air Force. Every year soldiers of the Latvian national Armed Forces participate in Northern Strike military training in Michigan.
The Partnership Cooperation Programme was the idea of Lieutenant General John B. Conaway in 1992 to strengthen the security situation in the Baltic region and increase the involvement of the National Guard in promoting international security. The cooperation was developed in Latvia by Major General Gordon Stump, who visited Riga and met with the Commander of the Home Guard, Colonel Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, and other Latvian officials.
