Canada Extends Military Mission in Latvia Until 2029 to Deter Russia

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on March 5, 2024, that Canada will extend its military mission in Latvia through to 2029. This decision is part of a broader strategy to deter Russian aggression in Europe, solidifying Ottawa’s significant role within the transatlantic alliance. Carney made the announcement during a news conference in Riga, alongside Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, emphasizing the need to “deter and fortify” the region’s defenses.

Currently, approximately 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are stationed in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s largest overseas military operation. Since its inception in 2017, this mission aims to strengthen the defense of Europe’s eastern flank and prevent potential Russian incursions into the Baltic states. The existing mandate for this mission is set to expire in March 2026, but Carney confirmed plans to extend it for an additional three years.

Carney articulated the mission’s objectives, stating, “We will increase the brigade’s capabilities here in Latvia, reinforce our collective defense, strengthen our co-operative security, and keep the NATO presence strong.” This extension highlights Canada’s commitment to its NATO allies and its strategic objective of fostering regional stability.

Strengthening NATO Alliances

Canada is currently coordinating the military efforts of soldiers from around ten allied nations in Latvia. This collaboration is designed to bolster Latvia’s defenses and provide training for Latvian troops. According to Stephen Saideman, a professor at Carleton University, Canada’s involvement is substantial. “We’re punching above our weight,” he noted in an interview, adding that Canada is viewed as an equal partner alongside the United Kingdom and Germany, which lead similar multinational brigades in Estonia and Lithuania respectively.

The Canadian government aims to have a continuous deployment of 2,200 troops in Latvia by 2026. To accommodate this increase, new infrastructure is being developed at the Adazi base near Riga, addressing prior overcrowding issues. Canada has occasionally deployed the full complement of 2,200 troops for specific exercises, demonstrating its capability to sustain a robust military presence.

Saideman commented on the potential implications of Carney’s visit, suggesting it serves to “educate Canadians about this major commitment” and offer transparency regarding the defense spending that may come at the cost of other domestic services. He underscored the complexity of the mission, noting that Canada’s leadership role, previously expected to be filled by France, necessitates extensive coordination among smaller military contingents from various countries.

Context and Significance of the Mission

The ongoing mission in Latvia began in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and has gained significance following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Carney, speaking earlier in Berlin, remarked on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, indicating a broader context of tension and the importance of NATO’s deterrent posture.

Marcus Kolga, a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, highlighted the importance of Canada’s mission in Latvia, calling it “one of the most important international missions that we’ve engaged in since the liberation of the Netherlands in World War II.” He emphasized that the presence of Canadian troops allows Latvians, as well as their Estonian and Lithuanian neighbors, to continue their daily lives without the immediate threat of aggression looming over them.

According to Global Affairs Canada, the relationship between Canada and Latvia is built on shared values, including a commitment to democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order. Latvia’s history is marred by occupations that have left lasting scars, making the support from NATO allies critical for its national security.

In summary, Canada’s commitment to extend its military presence in Latvia not only reinforces the nation’s dedication to collective security in Europe but also reflects its strategic importance in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.