Latvian troops and National Guard join large-scale US military exercise

Latvian National Armed Forces personnel and National Guard members are participating in the Northern Strike 2026-2 exercise in Michigan, USA, from 1 to 15 August. The annual combined land and air exercise is organized by the Michigan National Guard. Its stated aim is to maintain and improve the combat readiness of units and to strengthen cooperation with allied forces in a multinational environment.

During the exercise, participants will practice command and coordination of operations on land, air, sea, cyberspace and space. The programme includes combined arms live-fire exercises, training in cyber and electromagnetic warfare, defensive cyber operations, as well as logistics and supply operations under challenging conditions. The overall goal is to enhance readiness for large-scale combat operations.

Latvia is represented by cyber security and electronic warfare specialists from the National Armed Forces and National Guard, unmanned aerial vehicle operators, air support controllers, forward observers for joint fire support, rocket system operators, airfield operations management specialists and airfield firefighters. This year, more than 9,000 participants from the US and five allied countries are taking part.

The US is a long-standing strategic partner and ally of Latvia and plays a significant role in strengthening Latvia's defence capabilities. Latvian and US troops regularly take part in joint exercises and activities to boost cooperation and interoperability. Latvian personnel also take part in Northern Strike every year, maintaining close ties with the Michigan National Guard. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Latvia-US cooperation agreement under the State Partnership Programme. In its early phase, the programme aimed to help Latvia develop its National Armed Forces, especially the National Guard, after regaining independence. The Michigan National Guard contributed to building the National Guard structure, developing training programmes, and offering opportunities for Latvian guardsmen to gain experience in US exercises and train together in Latvia.