Latvia's Security Concerns and Military Readiness Under Scrutiny

Latvia faces a heightened security threat, with the ongoing war in Ukraine and intelligence suggesting Russia might target NATO countries sooner rather than later. This precarious situation is compounded by domestic challenges, as highlighted by a recent severe storm that crippled power and communication networks for hundreds of thousands of households.

The storm's aftermath revealed significant gaps in Latvia's crisis management capabilities. Arvis Zīle, head of the Crisis Management Center, rated the country's overall preparedness at a mere four out of ten, admitting that a military attack would bring many unwelcome surprises. He stressed the urgent need for improvements, particularly in ensuring communication access during power outages, a critical lesson learned from the storm's impact.

Adding to the security concerns, two drones have been shot down in Latvian airspace this year, likely influenced by Russian electromagnetic warfare tactics originating from Belarus. The most recent incident involved a drone downed near Balvi in August, following a similar event in June where allied forces intercepted another drone.

In response to these challenges, Lt. Gen. Kaspars Pudāns, commander of the National Armed Forces, is advocating for a significant transformation of the military. He plans to review the army's structure and incorporate some changes into the existing development plan before autumn. The interview also touches upon the efficient use of defense funding and the ongoing efforts to modernize the armed forces.

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It is weak, but it is not zero. We are on the way to readiness, and it is constantly growing. I would probably say the worst-case scenario right away – if a military threat, military aggression against our country occurs – we would have many surprises and would have to act. So to speak – build the plane while flying.