Latvia plans major armed forces reform amid Ukraine war, military chief says

Latvia is preparing a significant transformation of its National Armed Forces in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the evolving security situation in the region, according to reports.

News outlet Delfi, citing Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces Kaspars Pudāns, said strategic studies carried out over the past year have examined changes in modern warfare and the need to adapt defence structures accordingly.

Pudāns said the analysis has identified the necessity to update military doctrine and potentially reorganise parts of the armed forces. He added that proposed reforms are already being tested in exercises involving new technologies, autonomous systems and digital command-and-control tools.

According to him, the planned changes are based on systematic assessments and lessons drawn from current conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, rather than short-term operational adjustments.

The report also notes that Latvia’s armed forces are considering a broad range of potential threats and adjusting defence planning to address emerging security risks.

By Vugar Khalilov