When more than one-third of NATO’s member nations deploy into the Latvian countryside under Canadian command, the result is more than a military exercise—it’s a statement of resolve. From November 1 to 10, 2025, the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA) executed Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 25, the brigade’s most ambitious test yet.
For Latvia—and for NATO—this year’s iteration was a milestone. Spanning central and eastern regions of the country, the exercise added complexity, scale, and operational reach. It pushed the brigade into varied terrain and demanded seamless coordination across urban and rural battlefields. Under Canada’s leadership as framework nation, the multinational formation demonstrated the kind of mobility, command-and-control resilience, and combat readiness that underpin NATO’s deterrence posture on its eastern flank.
“Integrating and evaluating the combat capabilities of 14 nations during Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 2025 demonstrates NATO Alliance resolve to deter and defend its eastern flank. The readiness and professionalism of members from across this multinational brigade is a testament to the year-round training conducted as individual nations and ultimately as a unified force. I am proud of what NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia has accomplished and look forward to its continued success,” stated Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command.
A Brigade Built on Collaboration Across the Alliance
The NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia draws its strength from diversity. Representing more than a third of NATO nations, its composition reflects the increasingly integrated and interoperable force structure the Alliance has built since Russia’s destabilizing actions in the region.
In 2024, Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR focused on building cohesion and integrating capabilities across contributing nations. But 2025 marked a shift in emphasis: this year was all about combat readiness. It followed the Canadian battlegroup’s validation training earlier in February and September—important steps in readying the formation for the demands of multinational, high-intensity operations.
Together, these efforts reinforce Canada’s long-standing commitment to NATO collective defence. And they align with the broader modernization underway across Latvia, backed by some of the largest Canadian investments in European defence infrastructure in decades.
“This exercise is a clear signal that Canada remains committed to the defence of Latvia and its citizens. Canadian investments in infrastructure, equipment, training, and personnel have undoubtedly contributed to the ability of NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia to project and sustain forces throughout Latvia, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to Alliance efforts to deter and defend its Eastern flank,” conveyed Colonel Jim Smith, Commander, Task Force Latvia.
A New Era of Canadian Infrastructure Support in Latvia
Canada’s leadership of the brigade is matched by its material contributions on the ground. On October 31, Canada broke ground on a major new 2nd Line Maintenance Facility at the Ādaži military base—a 17,000-square-metre advanced repair hub designed to support NATO’s armoured vehicle fleet.
It’s not just a building—it’s a capability accelerator.
Funded through a $58 million investment, this facility will enhance mobility, readiness, and sustainment across the brigade and its partner nations. It represents the single largest Canadian infrastructure project abroad in decades and sits within a broader framework of more than $230 million in commitments through Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s flagship mission to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.
These investments are arriving precisely as the Alliance undertakes its largest reinforcement of collective defence in a generation.
“By immersing our soldiers within the community and working with the Latvian National Armed Forces, we strengthen our readiness and deepen our resolve to defend Latvia. This collaboration reinforces the unity between our forces and stands as a visible symbol of collective defence,” said Colonel Kristopher Reeves, Commander, NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.
A Signal of Enduring Commitment
Canada’s role in NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia is more than a rotational deployment—it’s a reflection of national intent. Through sustained leadership, targeted investments, and deep integration with allies, Canada is helping shape the future of NATO deterrence.
Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR 25 didn’t just test readiness. It showcased a multinational brigade ready to operate, maneuver, and defend—anywhere it’s needed. And it reaffirmed that Canada remains firmly committed to defending NATO, its territory, and its people.
