NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia begins largest deployment exercise

NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia began Resolute Reforger 2026 on 26 October, the largest force deployment exercise in its history, Delfi reported. APA, citing LSM, reported that about 3,000 military personnel and 1,000 pieces of military equipment are taking part in eastern Latvia.

The stated aim is to test whether the brigade can move, supply and coordinate units over long distances alongside the Latvian National Armed Forces. The Latvian army said the drill would test the brigade's ability to move, supply and guide units at long distances in cooperation with the National Armed Forces, London Loves Business reported. That makes the exercise a test of the brigade's main wartime task: moving forces and supplies across the country, not simply holding a base.

Movement and supply

Mezha reported that from 26 October to 2 November, troops and equipment moved by road and rail from the Adazi and Cesis bases to training areas covering the city of Rezekne and ten regions including Ogre, Jekabpils, Aizkraukle, Daugavpils, Aluksne, Balvi, Gulbene, Madona, Rezekne and Augsdaugava.

Units are practising force deployment, logistics, command and control, and communications, APA reported. Colonel David Brassard, commander of NATO's Multinational Brigade in Latvia, said the exercise would test the brigade's ability to deploy combat-ready forces over long distances, sustain them in the field and maintain effective command, control and communications, Xinhua reported.

The brigade was integrated on 17 October 2024 and currently has 14 contributing nations, including Canada, Latvia, Spain and Sweden, Canadian Defence Review reported. Canada leads the brigade. London Loves Business reported that the brigade has become a central element of NATO's deterrence posture in the Baltic region and draws on operational lessons from the war in Ukraine.

What residents will see

Canadian CH-146 Griffon helicopters are supporting ground units, Mezha reported. Latvia's Ministry of Defence warned of increased military convoy traffic on roads in the east and possible temporary slowdowns, Mezha reported. Ua.news said the ministry warned of night movements.

What happens next

From 4 to 8 November, units are scheduled to clear the training sites and return to their bases, London Loves Business reported, citing Delfi. Accounts differ on the exercise end date: APA and Mezha reported 8 November, London Loves Business reported 2 November, and Xinhua reported 26 to 28 October.