Navy coastal defence battalion marks first anniversary

Latvia’s Specialised Coastal Defence Battalion marked its first anniversary in Liepāja’s Karosta district on Friday, LSM reported. The Latvian Navy unit was established in response to current geopolitical conditions to help defend the country at sea and on land in cooperation with other National Armed Forces units.

The State Defence Service could also begin operating under the battalion in about two years.

Navy Commander Captain Gvido Laudups said the battalion was created to expand the Navy’s capabilities. He said its name reflected special capabilities that had not previously existed in the Navy and had been developed in response to recent geopolitical developments.

Modern warfare has introduced various types of armaments and weapons, creating new threats for Latvia, Laudups said. The battalion was established to reduce those risks.