The National Armed Forces defence exercises NAMEJS 2024 will be held throughout Latvia from September 03 to October 08.
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Press Release, Riga, 02 September 2024: From September 3rd to October 8th, the National Armed Forces will conduct comprehensive national defence exercise NAMEJS 2024 across Latvia.
The NAMEJS 2024 exercise will involve soldiers from all National Armed Forces units, including Conscript Service soldiers, reserve soldiers, and soldiers from allied armed forces. To enhance and strengthen the ability to perform tasks in the event of a national threat, NAMEJS 2024 will involve collaboration with the Civil Protection Operational Management Center, including the State Chancellery, sectoral ministries, their subordinate institutions, national security agencies, several municipalities, and commercial entities, providing necessary support for national defence needs, thereby strengthening Latvia’s comprehensive national defence system.
The exercise is organised in collaboration with the NATO Multinational Division North Headquarters. In the exercise will participate allied soldiers from the United States, Estonia, and Lithuania, NATO multinational battle groups as part of the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade, the NATO Multinational Brigade Headquarters in Latvia, the NATO Force Integration Unit Latvia, and the Canadian Armed Forces Task Force Latvia. The exercises will be supported by the Joint Expeditionary Force and representatives from various NATO headquarters. Approximately 11,000 Latvian and allied soldiers and National Guard members will participate in the exercises.
As part of NAMEJS 2024, the National Armed Forces plan to conduct a three day mobilisation exercise in September for a limited number of personnel to test and further improve mobilisation mechanisms. This exercise will take place in the area of responsibility of the National Guard 3rd Latgale Brigade. During the comprehensive national defence exercise NAMEJS 2024, the National Armed Forces, in collaboration with the State Border Guard, will continue strengthening border security measures. It is planned to begin deploying purchased counter mobility materials in nature, primarily for road blocking, as well as fortifying the infrastructure of State Border Guard checkpoints and units.
Responding to changing security challenges, Latvia’s national defence system must be comprehensive, relying on the readiness of the entire society and state institutions to overcome crises and resist external influence. The comprehensive national defence system includes not only national defence and state administration institutions but also representatives of the private sector, businesses, non-governmental organisations, citizens, and other individuals. The goal of a comprehensive national defence system is to promote the functioning of vital national functions by establishing a planning, coordination, and partnership system between state institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and citizens. The practical task of the comprehensive national defence system is to assign each state institution specific tasks and roles in national defence.
The NAMEJS exercise have been planned in advance and have been taking place throughout Latvia since 2014. The regular conduct of military exercises plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces, which must always be at a high level. The Armed Forces must always be ready to respond promptly and effectively to potential threats and ensure Latvia’s security. Strengthening cooperation with state and municipal institutions, various sectoral businesses, and their involvement in the exercises strengthens Latvia’s comprehensive national defence system.
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