Latvia launches major national defence exercise “Namejs 2025” VIDEO

Latvia’s National Armed Forces (NBS) have launched the comprehensive national defence exercise Namejs 2025, involving around 12,000 Latvian and allied personnel, the Ministry of Defence announced.

Scheduled to run from September 2 to October 8, the exercise includes soldiers and service members from all NBS units, as well as state defence service personnel, reservists, and allied forces, Caliber.Az reports via the ministry's post on X.

No šodienas līdz 8. oktobrim notiek visaptverošas valsts aizsardzības mācības #Namejs2025. Tajās tiek trenēta un pilnveidota spēja ātri izvērst spēkus jebkurā reģionā un kopā ar civilajiem sadarbības partneriem novērst jebkādus draudus valsts drošībai.
#SargājamLatvijuKopā pic.twitter.com/3qgE2woVZn

— AizsardzībasMin. (@AizsardzibasMin) September 2, 2025

The drill is designed to strengthen cooperation among the Crisis Management Centre, Civil Protection Operational Command Centre, State Chancellery, line ministries, national security institutions, municipalities, and private sector actors, ensuring coordinated support for national defence operations.

The exercise is conducted in partnership with the NATO Multinational Division ‘North’ Headquarters and includes participation from allied troops from the United States, Estonia, Lithuania, as well as units from the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia Headquarters, NATO Force Integration Unit Latvia, and Canadian Forces Command Latvia.

According to the Ministry of Defence, a robust national defence system relies not only on military and public administration institutions but also on private sector actors, non-governmental organisations, and citizens. Exercises like Namejs 2025 help clarify the roles and responsibilities of each participant in safeguarding the country.

The Namejs exercise has been held across Latvia annually since 2014. 

By Sabina Mammadli