Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to strengthen a Canadian-led multinational NATO brigade along the alliance’s eastern flank.

A Swedish mechanised infantry battalion arrived at Riga’s port, escorted by Swedish air force jets and naval units from both Sweden and Latvia, the Swedish armed forces announced.

This deployment marks Sweden’s most significant operation since joining NATO, emphasizing the country’s commitment to the Western defence alliance.

Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank

Latvia, bordered by Russia to the east and Belarus to the southeast, lies in a region of heightened tensions following Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Sweden’s 550-strong battalion aims to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence measures while ensuring regional stability.

“This deployment represents Sweden’s largest contribution since joining NATO,” the Swedish armed forces said.

Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, commander of the 71st Battalion, expressed pride in supporting NATO’s collective defence efforts.

“It’s a historic day, but also a reflection of our new normal,” Rosdahl noted.

The Swedish troops are stationed near the town of Adazi, close to Riga, joining one of NATO’s eight brigades positioned along its eastern front.

NATO Expansion Amid European Security Concerns

Sweden formally became NATO’s 32nd member in March 2024, abandoning its long-standing neutrality due to growing security concerns in Europe.

The move followed Finland’s NATO membership in April 2023, as both Nordic nations responded to the increased threat posed by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden’s participation in NATO signals a new era of military alignment for the country and highlights the alliance’s resolve to protect its eastern members from potential aggression.