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Latvian troops learn to receive NATO support in military exercise

Xinhua, June 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Saber Strike 2015, a U.S.-led multinational military exercise in the Baltic states and Poland this month, is unique because air and ground forces are learning to cooperate in a situation where Latvia receives military assistance to stave off a military threat, Latvian Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Raimonds Graube said Thursday.

Graube indicated that this year's drill had two significant aspects -- the Baltic Battalion was undergoing certification for participation in the NATO Response Force (NRF) and air and ground forces were honing their cooperation skills.

"Latvia does not have such capabilities (warplanes) at its disposal. It is therefore important to hold such training exercises together with our allies. This is the fastest type (of assistance) Latvia might receive in case such assistance is necessary. We must be able to cooperate with air forces and the world's most advanced aircraft," the Latvian chief of defense told reporters.

He also noted that Saber Strike provides an opportunity for Latvian soldiers to learn to operate in a multinational environment.

"Our soldiers are coping with their tasks, whether on Latvian soil or in multinational operations. We are prepared to work together (with our allies)," Graube said.

Latvian Defense Minister Raimonds Vejonis said that the certification of the Baltic Battallion is an indication that Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are ready not only to defend themselves, but also to provide support to other countries.

The training exercise also asserts Baltic states' solidarity, he said.

"Altogether, seven countries are taking part in this exercise in Latvian territory. This affirms that Article 5 of NATO's Washington Treaty will remain in force always," the Latvian defense minister stressed.

General Hans-Lothar Domrose, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, said: "'This is like a family, which is ready to protect its residents. We are here to prove that NATO is not just capable of protecting its residents, but also to show its intentions on doing so if necessary."

Saber Strike is an annual multinational exercise organized by the U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR), and hosted by the three Baltic states. Endit