On November 11, at 1:30 p.m., the parade in which approximately 1,500 soldiers, national guardsmen, policemen, border guards, firefighters and youth guards will participate will be commanded by the commander of the headquarters battalion, colonel Antonina Blodone, and will be accepted by the supreme leader of the National Armed Forces, the President Edgars Rinkēvičs, the Minister of Defense Andris Spruds and the commander of the National Armed Forces Lieutenant General Leonids Kalniņš.
The Latvian flag platoon, which this year is entrusted to carry the National Armed Forces Headquarters Battalion, will step at the front of the military parade. Soldiers of the allied forces from Albania, Canada, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the USA will also participate in the parade with the flag group, with whom Latvian soldiers perform tasks side by side on a daily basis, both in international operations, both acquire skills and abilities in military training in Latvia and abroad. This year, the Ukrainian flag group also participates in the parade for the third time.
The NATO force integration unit in Latvia will also take part in the parade, as well as the joint military educational institutions of the three Baltic states – the flag group of the Baltic Defense College, the flag groups of Lithuania and Estonia.
The parade will feature for the first time the Joint Response Force (JEF), a British-led initiative created at the NATO summit in Wales in 2014 to strengthen regional security and deterrence capabilities. The Canada-led NATO multinational brigade in Latvia will also take part in the parade, which demonstrates NATO’s determination to defend its member states and strengthen the alliance’s defense.
The national armed forces will be represented in the parade by the Latvian National Defense Academy, the Headquarters Battalion, the Navy, the Air Force, the Security Command, the 1st Riga Brigade of the National Guard, the 2nd Vidzeme Brigade, the 3rd Latgale Brigade, the 4th Kurzeme Brigade and the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Ground Forces, the flag groups from Training Command, Instructor School, Infantry School, Combat Support Support Training Center, School of Communications and Naval Training Center. The soldiers of the State Defense Service (SAD), who will march in the parade line for the first time this year, representing the new generation and symbolizing Latvia’s determination to strengthen its defense in the long term, will also be of special importance.
Allied armed forces will be represented in the parade by the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, which is part of the NATO Multinational Division “North”. On November 14, 2024, the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia will conclude its first full-scale training as part of the brigade.
The musical presentation of the parade will be provided by the National Armed Forces Headquarters Orchestra, the Naval Orchestra, while a special event this year is the joint performance of the National Guard Orchestra and the US Air Force Europe Orchestra, in which musicians from both countries will march in the same formation. This kind of international cooperation takes place in the parade for the first time, confirming the close friendship between Latvia and the USA. US musicians have learned Latvian parade repertoire and steps, showing respect for Latvian traditions and culture.
The infantry units of the parade, accompanied by the military orchestra, will continue the march along Kalķu iela, Brīvības iela, Bruņiniek iela to Skanstes iela.
Two Latvian “Black Hawk UH-60M” helicopters will take off with the national flag for the first time and will be joined by three US “UH60 Black Hawk” and two “CH47 Chinook” helicopters, as well as two Canadian ”CH146 Griffon” helicopters.
>The State Border Guard will participate with two Agusta helicopters – one AW109 and one AW119. Three An-2 aircraft will perform a smoke demonstration in the colors of the Latvian flag, while the national airline “airBaltic” will fly over with an “Airbus A220-300″ aircraft in the colors of the Latvian flag. During the parade, four ”Eurofighter” jet planes, which participate in patrolling the airspace of the Baltic States within the framework of the NATO mission, will also fly over.
The parade will feature extensive military equipment of the Latvian Armed Forces, demonstrating the country’s defense capabilities and modernization. Among the units on display will be the “Patria” 6×6 armored vehicles and the “CVR(T)” tracked combat reconnaissance armored vehicles, which provide mobility and protection in terrain.
Self-propelled howitzer systems “M109”, which provide significant fire support in combat operations, as well as “Husky” road demining vehicles resistant to mine explosions and tactical vehicles ”Bombardier MAX 650″ will also take part in the parade. Quadricycles and other tactical vehicles will complement the range of equipment.
In addition to Latvian equipment, armored vehicles of allied countries will also be visible in the parade. Visitors will be able to observe the tank of the Italian armed forces “Ariete” and the armored personnel carrier “Centauro”, the tank of the armed forces of Spain “Leopard” and the infantry fighting vehicle “Pizarro”, the tank of the Polish armed forces PT91, as well as the howitzer “Zuzana” of the armed forces of Slovakia. The military equipment of the armed forces of Albania, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia and Montenegro will also take part in the parade, reflecting the ability and determination of the NATO allied forces to cooperate in ensuring the security of the region.
The State Police will participate in the military parade with “BMW R1250” motorcycles, which are used on a daily basis for monitoring road traffic and escorting high-ranking state and foreign officials, as well as regulating traffic flows in special events. Also, Škoda Superb operational vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras, automatic number plate recognition system and speed control devices will participate in the parade to ensure effective traffic control and operational tasks.
On the other hand, the State Border Guard will demonstrate all-terrain vehicles ”Toyota Hilux” with and without snowmobiles in the parade. “Toyota Hilux” cars are used for border surveillance, control of the border lane regime and for ensuring the mobility of border guards, regardless of weather conditions and time of year, as well as in different areas, operational vehicles “Renault Trafic”, which are used for immigration control, for providing mobile patrols and checkpoints, as well as quadricycles “Polaris Ranger XP 1000” and “Polaris MV850”, which significantly improve the mobility of the State Border Guard and are used for patrols at the border.
The State Fire and Rescue Service will take part in the parade with rescue service equipment, including two “Toyota Hilux” operational vehicles with increased permeability for reconnaissance of fire extinguishing and rescue works, a quadricycle on a trailer for work in hard-to-reach places, a light boat on a trailer for rescue work in inland waters and the latest “Scania” tankers with fire and rescue equipment.
A volley of 21 nations in honor of the anniversary of the proclamation of the country’s independence will be conducted by the 17th Combat Support Battalion of the National Guard from the AB Dam. On the other hand, the Military Police and the Special Tasks Unit will take care of order and security at the place and time of the parade, while the Security Command will take care of the medical provision.
There will be an exhibition of military equipment in the Riga passenger port from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where an Imanta-class minesweeper and a Skrunda-class patrol ship will also be available for viewing. The ships will not be open to visitors.
On November 17, at 6 p.m., a dress rehearsal of the parade will take place on the waterfront.
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How does the participation of international forces enhance Latvia’s security during the parade?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert
Editor: Good morning! Today, we’re discussing a momentous event that’s just around the corner—the upcoming military parade in Latvia on November 11. Joining us is Dr. Laila Valdība, a defense expert and analyst specializing in Baltic security issues. Welcome, Dr. Valdība!
Dr. Valdība: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Latvia and the Baltic region.
Editor: Absolutely! This year’s parade features over 1,500 participants, including personnel from various military and national agencies. How significant is it to see such a large turnout?
Dr. Valdība: The size of the parade is quite symbolic. It showcases both national pride and the commitment of Latvia to its defense. The participation of soldiers from allied countries—such as the USA, Canada, and NATO partners—strengthens that message of alliance and mutual security. It reflects our readiness to stand together in defense of our shared values.
Editor: I noticed the presence of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and the Canadian-led NATO multinational brigade in this year’s lineup. What does their participation signify for Latvia’s regional security?
Dr. Valdība: The inclusion of these forces marks a significant step in enhancing our regional security posture. The JEF, being a British-led initiative, is built around rapid-response capability—something crucial given the current geopolitical climate. Their involvement signals NATO’s commitment to defend every ally, and for Latvia, it reinforces our strategic partnerships, especially with nations that share responsibilities in the Baltic region.
Editor: Indeed, and this year’s parade marks the participation of the Ukrainian flag group for the third consecutive time. What message does this send within the context of current events?
Dr. Valdība: The presence of Ukrainian forces in parades is a powerful statement of solidarity. It reflects the ongoing cooperation and support between Latvia and Ukraine, especially in light of Ukraine’s challenges. This not only symbolizes our shared resolve but also inspires unity among countries facing similar threats.
Editor: Speaking of cooperation, there’s a musical collaboration this year between the National Guard Orchestra and the US Air Force Europe Orchestra. How vital is this cultural exchange in military contexts?
Dr. Valdība: Cultural exchanges like this are incredibly important. They enhance interpersonal relationships and foster understanding between the military forces of different countries. Music transcends language barriers and brings people together, reinforcing bonds that are essential when working side by side in defense operations.
Editor: This year also sees extensive military equipment demonstrations, including various foreign armored vehicles. What does this exhibit reveal about Latvia’s modernization efforts?
Dr. Valdība: Displaying modern military equipment symbolizes Latvia’s commitment to upgrading its defense capabilities. It shows potential adversaries our determination to protect our sovereignty. Additionally, having allied equipment on display, like the tanks from Italy and Spain, indicates strong logistical and operational ties that we’re building with our allies, which is crucial for joint operational readiness.
Editor: And let’s not forget the aerial displays! This year, we’re seeing multiple helicopters and even a flyover by NATO’s Eurofighter jets. How do these air shows benefit public perception of the military?
Dr. Valdība: Aerial displays are thrilling for the public and serve to instill a sense of security and pride. They highlight the advanced capabilities of the military and showcase our technological advancements. By showing the public what our forces are capable of, it reinforces the government’s commitment to national security and builds trust within the community.
Editor: as we approach the parade, what message do you believe it conveys to both citizens of Latvia and to potential adversaries?
Dr. Valdība: The parade sends a dual message: to citizens, it’s a reminder of the strength and resilience of our armed forces, and to adversaries, it showcases our collective defense efforts and modernization. Ultimately, it reinforces that Latvia is not alone—we have strong allies committed to our defense—and that we are prepared to deter threats together.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Valdība, for your insights on this important event. It’s clear that the November 11 parade will not only be a display of military might but also an affirmation of Latvia’s commitment to its allies and its own national security.
Dr. Valdība: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how this parade unfolds—it’s a vital expression of our unity and resolve.
Editor: We’ll surely be covering it closely! Thank you for your time today.