NATO brigade practises deployment and resupply in eastern Latvia

The Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia conducted Exercise Resolute Reforger 2026 in the east of the country. According to Latvia’s Ministry of Defence, the exercise is scheduled for 26 October–8 November 2026 and involves around 3,000 personnel and 1,000 military vehicles. The main tasks are long-distance deployment, sustaining forces in the field and maintaining command and communications.

Movement and operations away from permanent bases

Latvia’s Ministry of Defence envisages units moving between 26 October and 2 November in its official plan. They are to leave the Ādaži and Ceri bases by road and rail. The exercise covers the Daugavpils, Rēzekne and Alūksne areas. The return to base is scheduled for 4–8 November.

The brigade commander, Colonel David Brassard, says the aim is for the formation to be able to operate away from its permanent bases, work with allies and maintain effective communications while its forces are dispersed. The ministry also reports the participation of Canadian CH-146 Griffon helicopters.

Polish defence and security website Defence24 reports that personnel from 14 NATO countries are taking part, including approximately 2,000 Canadians. According to the publication, the tasks practised also include building defensive positions and maintaining supply lines.

Logistics as part of the exercise

In a statement dated 29 October, the Latvian armed forces describe the exercise as ongoing and announce that logistics, medical support and military police capabilities will be demonstrated at Jēkabpils airfield on 2 November. The brigade support area is designed as a hub for supplies, medical support and other activities needed to keep combat units operating continuously.

On 2 November, photo agency EPA photographed a Canadian serviceman refuelling a military vehicle at Jēkabpils airfield. The image was distributed by news agency AGERPRES. Valda Kalnina’s photograph is from the demonstration of the brigade’s field sustainment and combat support.

In Flank’s assessment, the key aspect of these tasks is combining movement with sustaining forces after their arrival. Moving units alone is not enough if supply, medical support and command cannot function together away from bases. However, holding the exercise does not prove that combat readiness has been achieved.

From battlegroup to brigade, with a commitment until 2031

The exercise is part of the training of a formation established on the basis of the multinational battlegroup deployed in Latvia since 2017. According to Latvia’s Ministry of Defence, it was converted into a brigade in 2024, with Canada retaining its leading role.

The extension of Operation REASSURANCE until 2031 was announced by the Canadian prime minister in July 2026, Latvia’s Ministry of Defence says in its statement of 31 August. At the NATO meeting in Ankara, an extension of the mandate of Operation REASSURANCE until 2031. According to the ministry, Canada has confirmed that it will take on the role of third framework nation at Headquarters Multinational Division North, where Latvia and Denmark also hold that role.

This long-term commitment is separate from the temporary deployment for Resolute Reforger. The plan for units to return after the exercise does not mean that the brigade is relocating permanently towards the eastern border.