Newsweek; Sweden sends military to Latvia to strengthen NATO
Sweden has sent 550 troops to Latvia to strengthen NATO's eastern flank amid the "Russian threat," Newsweek reports. Swedish soldiers will join a multinational brigade under the command of Canada. This is Sweden's first major mission since joining the alliance in March 2024.
Brendan Cole
NATO's newest member has sent hundreds of troops to Latvia as part of a mission aimed at strengthening the alliance's eastern flank bordering Russia.
More than 500 Swedish troops have arrived in Latvia to join a multinational brigade under Canadian command in what Stockholm described as the most important mission since the country became the 32nd member of NATO in March 2024.
Newsweek has reached out to NATO and the Russian Ministry of Defense via email for comment.
Why is this important?
Sweden was forced to join NATO due to the security threat posed by Russia after the outbreak of the conflict with Ukraine. The country has sent its troops to Latvia, which borders Russia and its ally Belarus. As a former Soviet republic, Latvia attaches particular importance to the threat posed by Moscow in connection with the conflict in Ukraine.
What you need to know
A statement from the Swedish Armed Forces said that a ship carrying units of the 71st Mechanized Infantry battalion from the South Skone regiment arrived in Riga on Saturday, accompanied by the Swedish Air Force and the Swedish and Latvian navies.
The photo in the press release showed the Swedish tracked armored combat vehicles Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90), which are used in Ukraine.
The Swedish Armed Forces did not specify the size of the contingent, but the Associated Press reported that 550 Swedish troops would be involved in the mission.
They will form part of eight NATO brigades on the eastern flank of the alliance and will be stationed near the city of Adazi, near Riga.
The battalion's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdal, called the arrival of the Swedes a historic day "and at the same time a sign of our new reality."
Sweden became the most recent member of NATO, joining the transatlantic military alliance in March 2024. This was caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the alarming security situation in Europe in connection with this confrontation.
Sweden followed the example of Finland, which also joined NATO a year earlier, although it had previously adhered to a policy of neutrality for decades.
What they say
Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson on the social network X: "As of today, Sweden is present in Latvia with troops as an advanced NATO ground force (FLF). This marks a historic milestone. As part of NATO's collective defense, we are strengthening the security of the Baltic region and presenting a united front for a secure future."
What will happen next
Initially, the Swedish battalion's stay in Latvia will last six months. He will focus on setting up Camp Waldemar. In February, command of the battalion will be transferred to the brigade.
Sweden's statement did not directly mention Russia, but the context of the threat posed by Moscow was obvious. The exercises planned for the battalion in the coming months are likely to take place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Russia.
