NATO launches new infrastructure at military base in Latvia worth 7 million euros

Defence authorities in Latvia have launched new facilities at the Adazi Military Base, following the establishment of the NATO Multinational Brigade.

The Canadian-funded armored vehicle storage and maintenance facilities, which opened on Wednesday, will house the brigade’s tanks and other armored vehicles, providing sheltered areas for essential maintenance.

The enhancements also include a new warehouse, tent facilities, a security perimeter, and a concrete road. The investments by Canada and Spain in the construction of these facilities amount to more than €7 million.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by representatives from Latvia's National Armed Forces, NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, NATO Multinational Division Headquarters North, and the State Defence Military Facilities and Procurement Centre.

"This is a multi-million euro project. This exceeds 7 million euros, is just another commitment to combat the possible aggression that is happening around," Colonel James Smith, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Command in Latvia said.

"We are bringing more power, more people here. We train our people, we also bring equipment. And then we also house that equipment in that infrastructure. As part of our continuing uplift to have brigade that`s operating by the end of next year," Smith added.

According to the Latvian government, Wednesday's ceremony marked the completion of infrastructure projects funded by Canada and Spain, enhancing the facilities within their respective compounds at the Adazi Military Base.

Latvia provided construction supervision to ensure the success of the projects, which began in 2023 and were completed in about a year.

"Of course, this is to let the aggressor see that our abilities are growing