Danish-led headquarters in Latvia reaches full operational capability
Multinational Division North has reached full operational capability. This was declared today. The Danish-led headquarters in Latvia now can be part of NATO's deterrence against Russia and contribute to the alliance's defense in the Baltic Sea region.
July 7, 2023 - 09:39
Commander Multinational Division North Major General Flemming Mathiasen speaks during the ceremony. Photo: Latvian Ministry of Defence
By the Danish Armed Forces
The Danish-led multinational headquarters in Latvia, Multinational Division North (MND N) has reached full operational capability. This was declared by the commander Major General Flemming Mathiasen at a ceremony at the Adazi Military Base, where the headquarters is based.
Acting Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen, together with his Latvian ministerial colleague Ināra Mūrniece, and the Danish Chief of Defense General Flemming Lentfer participated in the ceremony.
Danish soldiers taking on parade during the ceremony. Photo: Latvian Ministry of Defence
The headquarters' new status means that it can now fully form part of NATO's deterrence against Russia and contribute to the alliance's defense in the Baltic Sea region.
“The Headquarters is now fully operational which was a requirement to further develop the Division. The professionalism and work of all those serving here have contributed to the achievement that we celebrate today. Full operational capability enhances NATO alliance and our work is a clear testimony to that,” says Multinational Division North Commander Major General Flemming Mathiasen.
In crisis and war, the headquarters in Latvia will, among other things, facilitate the conditions for deploying, NATO's rapid response force and subsequent follow-up forces on high alert, as well as leading possible combat operations.
In peacetime, the headquarters supports, among other things, the Baltic states' national defense planning, trains Baltic soldiers and coordinates military activities in the region, including NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic countries, of which Denmark is also a part.
In the spring of 2022, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Danish Defense deployed a combat battalion to Latvia. The battalion was withdrawn in May this year. Denmark has offered NATO to send a battalion to Latvia from the middle of 2024. The plan is for the battalion to be deployed in Latvia for four to six months a year. For the rest of the time, the battalion must be on alert in Denmark.