MINISTRY OF DEFENCE REPUBLIC OF

The State Defence Concept

Confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia on 20April 2012 Approved by the Saeima (Parliament) on 10 May 2012 The State Defence Concept

Confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia on 20April 2012 Approved by the Saeima (Parliament) on 10 May 2012 to the support for land operations and provision of Executive summary host nation support capabilities. The National Guard serves as the main NAF re- The State Defence Concept outlines the fundamen- serve base that is being developed by attracting re- tal strategic principles of national defence, mid-term serve soldiers and reservists and involving them in and long-term priorities and measures both in peace- public self-defence. time and in case national security is ­threatened. In order to facilitate Latvia’s contribution to inter- The fundamental strategic principle of national de- national security and implementation of the principle fence is to minimise the potential for threats to national of collective defence, Latvia, together with Allies and security. By continuing to improve and modernise the partners must participate in international operations. national defence capabilities, by strengthening North Military integration of the Baltic States makes it pos- Atlantic Treaty Organization’s collective defence and sible to jointly develop capabilities that Latvia could by contributing to international security, both bilateral- not develop on its own, as well as makes it possible ly and multilaterally, Latvia reduces the risk of external to increase our investment in the North Atlantic Treaty military aggression or an outbreak of other national Organization. The NAF must strengthen cooperation threats, and, if necessary, is ready to ensure effective with the Baltic States’ armed forces, more closely inte- deterrence measures. grating the present and jointly developing new military The national defence capacity rests upon the capabilities in long-term perspective. planned, coherent and coordinated political leader- The NAF also provides support to other state insti- ship, as well as the cooperation between state and tutions, local governments and society, according to local authorities, the National Armed Forces (here- the laws and regulations, using the available military The State Defence inafter — NAF) and society. It is a significant precon- capabilities. In peacetime, the NAF, the Bank of Lat- dition for preventing and defeating threats to national via Security Department, and the State security and for dealing with consequence manage- ensure interoperability, taking into account that these Concept ment. institutions operate under command of the NAF in The basis for national defence is the NAF, which time of crisis. is being developed as a defence asset that is profes- In order to increase the effectiveness of national sionally trained and equipped with modern technol- defence, it is of decisive importance to ensure a long- ogy. In ensuring national defence, the quality of the term national defence funding mechanism, which NAF capabilities is a priority. Likewise, the competi- would provide for a gradual increase of national de- tiveness of the profession of a soldier, his professional fence funding each year, so that it would reach 2% of development and motivation are of high importance. the gross domestic product in the future. It would be Taking into account the national and collective de- necessary to achieve this objective by 2020, and this fence needs, as well as the available resources for the is connected with the state economic growth and is implementation of national defence, the development based on efficient use of the financial resources of of the Land Forces component, which forms the core the defence sector, and is facilitating the development of the NAF capabilities, is a key priority for the NAF and modernisation of the NAF. The concept should be capability development and distribution of resources. implemented in accordance with the state budget for The development of other capabilities is closely linked the current year.

2 Introduction economic situation, the development of the Baltic States, the Nordic countries and the of crucial transport and communications National Armed Forces must be continued United States of America, which is the most infrastructure. 1. The State Defence Concept is a policy plan- and the frozen projects must be resumed. important strategic partner for Latvia, is es- 10. New fighting techniques, technology de- ning document that outlines the fundamen- In the long run, no military capability short- sential in providing security for Latvia and the velopment and application trends must be tal strategic principles of military defence, falls are allowed that would hamper the entire region. taken into account while ensuring national priorities and measures for ensuring na- completion of the tasks laid out for the Na- 8. While the potential for direct military con- defence. Latvia, being a democratic country tional defence. The State Defence Concept tional Armed Forces. frontation on Latvian territory is relatively with an open society, still must pay attention provides guidelines for peacetime and in low, it cannot be completely ruled out. to the information space, which may be used case national security is threatened. 1. International Security The outbreak of such conflicts cannot be to influence society and create domestic in- 2. The State Defence Concept has been de- Environment excluded also in the international security stability in crisis or peacetime. Cyber attacks veloped based on Article 29 of the National environment, taking into consideration the aimed at weakening the command, control Security Law, and is based on the Military 5. The international security environment is ­rising military potential in various countries and communications are also very likely. Threat Analysis. The State Defence Con- changeable, complex and difficult to predict. of the world, as well as their efforts to ex- 11. National defence and security are affected cept has been prepared according to Lat- Due to the globalisation process, Latvia pand their influence in world politics. Lat- by risks related to rapid technological prog- via’s geopolitical situation, national ­security has established closer ties with countries in via’s security is strengthened by NATO’s ress, where the most negative impact may and foreign policy objectives, as well as different regions of the world. Consequent- military power, which guarantees the capa- be posed by a combination of high-technol- Latvia’s commitments as a member state of ly, any political, social, military or economic bilities to mitigate these threats. ogy with weapons of mass destruction and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and instability, even in the remote parts of the 9. In national defence planning, Latvia, like electromagnetic weapons. the . world can pose a direct or indirect threat the other NATO and EU member states, 12. In the future, the most likely national threats 3. The State Defence Concept provides the to Latvia’s national security. This fact con- takes into account global threats that may will be caused by hybrid attacks which will be basis for planning specific national defence stitutes the basis for planning the develop- affect the national security directly or in- interconnected and difficult to predict. These activities, resources necessary for the imple- ment of the National Armed Forces (here- directly, that is, the proliferation of weap- attacks will combine both conventional and mentation thereof, the development of the inafter — NAF). ons of mass destruction, and the activities non-conventional methods of warfare, in- National Armed Forces , the required readi- 6. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (here- of terrorist groups and radical extremists. cluding terrorist attacks, organised criminal ness level and action of state and local au- inafter — NATO) and the European Union These threats are facilitated by internation- activities, cyber attacks, information war- thorities, individual and legal entities during (hereinafter — EU) have a central role in al conflicts or instability in certain regions. fare and psychological operations. The ad- peacetime and in case national security is ensuring security, stability and cooperation International piracy risk is significant as versary will be able to operate, affecting threatened. in the Euro-Atlantic area. The collective de- well, as it threatens access to strategic re- both physically and virtually by land, sea, 4. Taking into account the national economic fence principle of NATO, along with the EU’s sources or their delivery routes and has a air, space and cyberspace. situation and the significantly reduced de- mutual assistance clause, are a stable foun- particularly negative impact on safe navi- fence funding, the implementation of na- dation for Latvia’s national security and de- gation. For ensuring national defence, 2. Strategic Principle and Key tional defence activities and fulfilling the fence that effectively helps to minimise any it is important to prevent any possible Tasks of National Defence legislatively defined functions and tasks of external threat to national security. risks associated with access to strategic the National Armed Forces is ensured in 7. As a country of the Baltic Sea region, Lat- resources, paying particular attention to 13. The fundamental strategic principle of the accordance with the available resources. via is affected by everything that happens the security of energy resource supplies, national defence is to minimise the potential However, along with improvement of the in this region. Military cooperation with the as well as the security and sustainability for threats to national security. By continuing

4 5 to improve and modernise national defence a threat to national security, national defence 18.1. to engage in threat prevention tasks both allowing to adapt to today’s security chal- capabilities, by strengthening NATO’s collec- tasks are implemented under guidelines of within Latvia and abroad, including the lenges, including also cyber attacks. Latvia tive defence and by contributing to internatio- national political leadership, and the following sustainment in operations for continued ensures the maintenance and operation of nal security, both bilaterally and multilaterally, capabilities are guaranteed by the NAF: periods of time; a unified national and NATO classified in- Latvia reduces the risk of external military 16.1. a warning system; 18.2. to operate in multinational military forma- formation system, which, in case of threats aggression or an outbreak of other national 16.2. a combination of military and non-military, tions and to ensure interoperability with to national security, is provided by the NAF threats, and, if necessary, is ready to ensure i.e., preventive measures (political, eco- NATO and EU military units; together with NATO forces. In crisis situa- effective deterrence measures. nomic, diplomatic and security measures); 18.3. to adapt to threats across a variety of tions, the NAF may take over the tasks, 14. The key tasks of national defence are to 16.3. self-defence capabilities; and conflict situations; and authority and resources of the Information prevent, defeat and overcome potential na- 16.4. a host nation support system for rapid 18.4. to conduct operations in hostile operatio- Technologies Security Incidents Response tional threats, to guarantee statehood, the arrival and deployment of allied forces. nal environments and extreme conditions, Institution. capacity and continuation of state power 17. Likewise, the national security and de- for example, the protection of units from 21. A comprehensive approach to provide the and existing order, to contribute to inter- fence are closely linked to the sense of re- weapons of mass destruction, operating host nation support capabilities. As a matter national operations, to support civil society sponsibility and loyalty of civil society to the under conditions of toxic threats and the of efficient use of means and ways provided and engage in other emergency tasks in Republic of Latvia. Social duty and patrio- use of improvised explosive devices. by the collective defence system, the NAF accordance with national laws and interna- tism are important factors that strengthen 19. Priority is the development of the Land ensures the host nation support in close tional agreements. Latvia’s security and statehood. Therefore, Forces component combat capabilities. cooperation with other state institutions, 15. The national defence capacity rests upon the during the implementation of national de- Considering the national and collective de- local governments and society, as well as planned, coherent and coordinated political fence policy, dialogue between the armed fence needs, as well as the available re- in ­coordinated cooperation with the Baltic leadership, as well as the cooperation be- forces and society is constantly being en- sources (personnel, financial, etc.) for the ­States, other allies and NATO authorities. tween state and local authorities, the NAF couraged, providing the public and youth implementation of national defence, the As for the fulfilment of this task and execu- and society. It is a significant precondition with patriotic education and increasing Land Forces component (primarily — acti- tion of the relevant operations, it is impor- for preventing and defeating threats to knowledge in national defence matters, as ve service units) development is the core of tant to make available the required infra- national security and for dealing with con- well as promoting civil awareness and es- NAF capabilities and a key priority for NAF structure, including civil aviation, maritime sequence management. prit de corps. capabilities development and distribution of and land transportation infrastructure, as 16. In order to be able to respond to traditio- resources. The development of other capa- well as to ensure the appropriate engage- nal and other security challenges, rapid 3. Strengthening of National bilities is closely tied to the support for land ment of local governments. The develop- response in early stages must be guaran- ­Defence Capabilities operations and the provision of host nation ment of the host nation support capabilities teed; the NAF together with other state in- support capabilities. is essentially reinforced by the joint military stitutions, local governments, and society 18. Professionally prepared and trained, expe- 20. nformation superiority, efficient and secu- training of the allied forces and the NAF in must perform defence activities in support ditionary and multi-functional NAF. The basis re command, control and communications. Latvia and in the other Baltic States, as well of the arrival and deployment of allied for- for national defence is the NAF, which is be- In support of the national defence tasks, a as by the use of Latvian military infrastruc- ces. This requires an immediate situational ing developed as a professionally trained and rapid strategic and operational (including ture by allies for their needs in peacetime. awareness, rapid decision-making and a comprehensively equipped national defence geospatial) situational awareness capabili- 22. The transition from cooperation to integra- comprehensive approach, i.e., the use of asset. The NAF is ready to deliver effectively ty must be in place, along with the effective tion with the Baltic States’ armed forces. Mi- both military and civil resources. In case of the following operational capabilities: and secure command and control system, litary integration of the Baltic States makes it

6 7 possible to jointly develop military capabilities planning the NAF structure, anticipated ­appropriate multi-functional infrastructure gate threats to national security. To ­ensure that Latvia would not be able to develop sepa- demographic problems are taken into ac- that would be suitable both for the NAF and national defence in time of crisis, the Na- rately. This requires mutual confidence and count, and therefore it is necessary to NATO needs. Bearing in mind the discou- tional Armed Forces Law stipulates that trust, development of joint command and sustain a flexible and modern recruitment raging prospects of Latvia’s demographic the Bank of Latvia Security Department control element of forces, coordinated de- system. Here, it is important to strengthen development, more attention must be paid and the State Border Guard perform du- velopment and interoperability. To promote the Youth Guard movement by using the to technology-centric capabilities that do ties described in legislation and policy the military integration of the Baltic States assistance of the NAF regular force units not require significant staff resources. Pro- planning documents under command and to participate more effectively in NATO and National Guard. The stability of the curement and logistics projects provide the of the NAF. In peacetime, the NAF, the collective defence system, it is important to social security system is of no less impor- maximum support for the development of Bank of Latvia Security Department, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as tance, which, according to financial ability, the Land Forces component. the State Border Guard ensure interoper- defence planning, military acquisition and would allow finding effective solutions for 27. Development of the National Guard of the ability (regarding armament, equipment, training, development of joint support units. motivating qualified and experienced pro- Republic of Latvia aimed at strengthening communications and training) and coor- 23. Priority is the quality of capabilities, not the fessionals to serve in the NAF. By promo- the NAF operational capabilities. The Na- dinate mechanisms for cooperation in cri- size of forces. In peacetime, the NAF is for- ting the sustainability and capacity of the tional Guard is a part of the NAF, and its sis situations. med of professional service soldiers, the Na- NAF structure, the NAF ensures the effec- main purpose is to involve the citizens of 29. The NAF support to other institutions with- tional Guards, civilian employees and the re- tive personnel career and professional de- Latvia in national defence, thus providing in the available military capabilities. The serve soldiers of the NAF that ­altogether do velopment system, which would be direc- a link between armed forces and society. NAF provides support to other state insti- not exceed 17 000. In the national defence ted towards: The National Guard serves as the main tutions, local governments and society, ac- system, the amount of professional service 25.1. ensuring the competitiveness of military NAF reserve base that is being developed cording to the laws and regulations, using soldiers does not exceed more than 5500 service in the labour market; and by attracting reserve soldiers and reser- the ­available military capabilities. The NAF soldiers, while civilian personnel works in 25.2. professional growth and improvement of vists and involving them in public self-de- provides support to the Security Police, the positions which do not require profes- combat capabilities of soldiers and Na- fence. Within the national defence system, , State Border Guard, State sional military knowledge. tional Guard by systematically raising the the National Guard provides: Fire and Rescue Service, and other institu- 24. The all-purpose capabilities of the NAF. The military service proficiency and by partici- 27.1. support to other regular force units of the tions, in the following cases: NAF develops one and the same capabilities pation in tactical exercises. NAF by maintaining the required specia- 29.1. resources at the disposal of these institu- both for national and collective defence tas- 26. Procurement and logistics projects are lised capabilities; tions are not sufficient for the implement- ks. The development of the NAF combat ca- synchronised with the development priorities 27.2. support for collective defence by partici- ation of emergency measures necessary pabilities is aligned to NATO military capabili- of combat capabilities. Taking into account pating in international operations and en- for crisis and consequence management; ty development guidelines and requirements. the available resources, the acquisition of suring of host nation support; and 29.2. involvement of the NAF resources con- 25. Sustainability and balance of the NAF modern equipment, transportation means, 27.3. full integration and interoperability with siderably accelerates the implementation structure. The NAF provides the mainte- weapons systems, as well as the introduc- other NAF regular force units, building a of emergency measures; and nance of a structure that primarily ensures tion of modern technologies must be aimed very close cooperation with the Land For- 29.3. special resources (such as mine clearan- the fulfilment of combat, combat support at maintaining and developing of the NAF ces Infantry Brigade in training and exer- ce and explosive devices, ships, aircraft and combat service support tasks. In this combat capabilities. In support of the NAF cising, and in international operations. and off-road land equipment or specific respect, it is necessary to review and de- unit deployment, maintenance and trai- 28. Readiness of other state institutions to op- geo-spatial information) at the disposal termine new military-grade structure. ­While ning process, it is necessary to develop an erate under command of the NAF to miti- of the NAF are deemed necessary.

8 9 30. Effective and flexible mobilisation and re- principle of collective defence is enshrined precondition for the rapid response of the which is particularly important in strengthe- serve system. Mobilisation and reserve sys- in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, pro- Alliance. ning the host nation support capabilities. tem meets the following requirements: viding that an attack on one of the member 33. Strengthening of NATO’s deterrence postu- Permanent use of the Latvian civil and mi- 30.1. capable to support effectively the natio- states of the Alliance shall be considered re. In NATO, the military posture of the al- litary infrastructure for the support of the nal defence tasks in crisis; an attack against all the member states. lied forces serves two purposes: on the one NATO forces strengthens Latvia’s security 30.2. adaptive to the threat level, so that the This means that Latvia must be ready to hand, it deters from potential aggression, and defence. contribution made is adequate for the im- provide assistance in the protection of the on the other, it guarantees the political in- 35. Pooling and sharing. The most effective plementation of the NAF tasks; and Allies, as well as to increase the contribu- dependence and territorial integrity of the solutions for maintaining and developing 30.3. in a crisis situation, mobilisation resour- tion in the strengthening of NATO’s overall member states of the Alliance. This requi- military capabilities are being sought in ces (especially the material and techni- military capabilities. It is within the interests res ensuring the most effective combination NATO. In view of the Allies’ cooperation on cal resources) are used in a coordinated of Latvia to strengthen the solidarity of of military resources that would be available pooling and sharing of military capabilities, and effective manner, including the as- the Allies and the ability to act rapidly and to the Allies. Taking into account the interna- the capabilities needed for the Alliance beco- sured availability of the required civilian­ effectively in any situation, including fully tional security situation, Latvia believes that me more cost-efficient and available. resources. implementing Latvian commitments and NATO must maintain the nuclear posture 36. The European Union as a catalyst for the co- In terms of human resources, the mobilisa- taking active part in NATO institutions, as also further on. An appropriate mix of nuclear operation of European countries in the deve- tion and active service reserve system is well as in decision-making and consulta- and conventional forces is an important basis lopment of military capabilities. Latvia contri- formed by the National Guards, soldiers tion processes. for military response of the Alliance. In this butes to European military capa­bilities, which and reservists. In the medium term, the 32. Strengthening of NATO Response ­Force context, NATO’s missile defence capability is enables Europe to contribute more effectively most important tasks for the development and military capabilities. It is within the an integral part of the defence posture. in strengthening ­international ­security and of the reserve system are to ensure the interests of Latvia to strengthen the rapid 34. NATO’s presence in the region. Along with in closing the gap with the United States of proficiency of the National Guards and to response mechanisms of the collective the approval of the new NATO Strategic America in terms of military capabilities. The retain the maximum military skills of the security system, which provides the abili- Concept, Allies have united in their com- EU for Latvia is an additional instrument for reserve soldiers by encouraging their in- ty to timely identify and anticipate potenti- mitment to provide visible assurance of strengthening national security and defence. volvement in the training process of the al threats. Thus, Latvia contributes to the the solidarity and collective defence capa- The Lisbon Treaty’s mutual assistance clau- National Guard or in the National Guard development of the Alliance’s ground sur- bilities. The NATO Air Policing Mission is se (Article 42.7 of the Treaty) specifies that service. In order to provide the appropriate veillance capabilities and contributes to the most visible presence of the Alliance in in the event of an armed aggression, the EU training level for the National Guards, it is the use of NATO’s common funding for the the Baltic States. Latvia together with ot- Member States are obliged to provide the vic- necessary to encourage employers to sup- development of the Alliance’s deployable her Baltic States continues to provide host tim state with aid and assistance by all means port their employees (National Guards) to capabilities. Latvia strengthens NATO’s nation support to the participating Allies. at their disposal. This clause has the role of get involved in the military training process. political and military abilities to operate Latvia’s priority is to have NATO’s Air Poli- promoting political solidarity, but the Lisbon effectively before, during, and after ope- cing Mission on a continuous basis. Latvia Treaty does not provide a mechanism for 4. Strengthening of Collective rations, including active participation in is also interested in promoting any other its implementation. Therefore, it is important ­Defence NATO Response Force, as they first en- expression of the Allied solidarity, including for Latvia to maintain a maximum degree of gage in crisis management and collective the organisation of joint military exercises national competence in the decision-making 31. Active participation in the strengthening defence operations. Effective functioning and training with the allied forces and the regarding the EU security and defence policy of the principle of collective defence. The of NATO’s crisis response system is a NAF in Latvia and in the other Baltic States, issues. It is within the interests of Latvia to

10 11 use the EU’s crisis management resources operations, pursues regional cooperation, experts are involved in NATO-led, EU-led, to participate in NATO’s High Readiness and civil expertise, which nowadays allows and provides support for defence reforms in UN-led and other international operations. Forces mine-countermeasures operations. finding the most appropriate solutions to in- NATO partner countries. 42. The NAF is able to sustain in geographi- While developing national defence logistics ternational crises. Latvia supports coordina- 39. Latvia’s participation in international ope- cally remote operation areas. The NAF and supply system, it is important to create ted use of NATO and EU civilian and military rations, on the one hand, implements the in cooperation with its allies must be pre- expeditionary logistics capabilities which resources for solving security problems, as Alliance’s principle of collective defence, pared to participate in international opera- are available to NATO. Latvia plans regular well as supports the development of harmo- on the other hand, allows greater involve- tions in geographically distant locations participation in EU Battlegroups, taking into nious cooperation, while avoiding duplication ment in global political processes, ensures that differ from Latvia climatically, socio- account the involvement in other interna- of functions. At the same time, the strengt- Latvia’s contribution to international secu- politically, economically and culturally. The tional operations. hening of the European military capabilities rity, and creates favourable conditions for NAF must ensure the ability to deploy and 44. Ensuring comprehensive approach. Stabi- must contribute to NATO’s military capacity. pursuing Latvian national interests within permanently sustain one platoon-level lisation of situation and restoration of secu- NATO and the EU. unit in an area of operations 15 000 km rity in areas of international crisis require 5. Contribution to International from Latvia’s borders, one company-level a comprehensive approach that is based Security 5.1. Participation in International unit at a distance of 5000 km, two compa- on effective civil-military cooperation and ­Operations ny-level units with organic combat support ­coordination mechanisms. So: 37. Latvia’s major contribution to international and combat service support capabilities at 44.1. The task of today’s international opera- security is to reduce or completely avert the 40. Building the experience and preparedness a distance of 3000 km. tions is to guarantee the security in the possibilities of armed conflicts. In the inter- of all the NAF units. Participation in interna- 43. Increasing the contribution to NATO and region of crisis, promote the development national security context, Latvia strengt- tional operations ensures Latvia with contin- the EU High Readiness Forces. Latvia par- of the security and Defence Forces in the hens bilateral and multilateral relations with ued growth of the NAF, which is essential ticipates also in NATO and EU permanent region of crisis, the ability to manage the its allies and other partner countries, taking for the armed forces that are profession- readiness formations, designed to be able situation in their territory independently, into account their international and regional ally based. In order to promote balanced to respond effectively to the whole spec- and create conditions for further economic importance. Latvia as a member state of the operational experience and the growth trum of crisis situations. Taking into account and social stability. In crisis management, United Nations Organization, EU, NATO, and of professional skills, all the regular units the fact that NATO Response Force is an not only military contribution, but also the Organization for Security and Co-opera- are involved in international operations. essential instrument for collective defence, effective and coordinated action of civilian tion in Europe (hereinafter — OSCE) con- In this context, it is important to promote Latvia must pay particular attention to the experts is increasingly important; and tributes to promotion of stability of broader the participation of the Naval Forces and contribution to those forces. Until 2016 Lat- 44.2. Timely implementation of a comprehen- common security space, fostering military the Air Forces in operation areas. Also the via’s total contribution to these forces is not sive action and close mutual cooperation cooperation and security, arms control, mu- National Guard participates in international less than 390 soldiers. The NAF must be of national and international organisati- tual trust and information exchange and sha- operations thereby enhancing its capabili- ready to participate in the full spectrum of ons to reduce potential threats and pro- ring of acquired experience in democracy, ties and increasing the motivation of the NATO-led operations with one infantry bat- motion of international security are within the Euro-Atlantic integration, security and National Guard. talion for up to six months without rotation the interests of Latvia. In this context, the defence sector reform. 41. The NAF is able to participate in several or with subunits not exceeding two infantry cooperation and coordination of actions 38. Actively participating in enhancing the Euro- operations simultaneously. Taking into ac- companies or equivalent size specialized of the United Nations, NATO, EU and Atlantic security, Latvia, along with allies count the available human and financial subunits for up to six months with rotation. OSCE, as well as with non-governmental and partners, participates in international resources, Latvia’s soldiers and civilian The Naval Forces of the NAF must be ready and other organisations are crucial.

12 13 5.2. International Cooperation principle of openness and mutual trust in the assessment, a development plan for the long-term financial prospects of national and Support to Partner Countries dialogue with the Russian Federation in bilat- NAF is prepared, which aims at balan- defence funding are of decisive importan- eral contacts, and at the levels of the OSCE, cing the needs, resources and time of ce. In order to increase the effectiveness 45. The United States of America is and will re- EU and NATO. There is a need to promote the NAF. The development plan for the for ensuring national defence, to meet main the key strategic partner of Latvia in military cooperation, for example, for ensur- NAF and this concept are the basis for Latvia’s obligations regarding development the field of defence and military matters. It is ing maritime safety and search and rescue medium-term planning documents, inclu- of NATO military capabilities, as well as to important for Latvia to continue and deepen coverage in the ­Baltic Sea, as well as pro- ding the guidelines on the development provide a basis for long-term development the practical cooperation both bilaterally and moting the involvement of the Russian Fed- of the national defence system that are projects, it is necessary to ensure the stabi- at NATO level. This cooperation is strength- eration in trainings and exercises organised issued by the minister of defence, and for lity and growth of the available funding over ened by joint participation in military train- for NATO partner countries. the next year’s budget planning; and a longer period of time. Taking into account ings and international operations. 49. Exchange of experience with NATO part- 50.2. The development planning process of the economic situation and the bulk of the 46. Military cooperation with the allies in the ner countries in implementation of defence the NAF must ensure the continuity of state budget, national defence funding Baltic Sea region plays an important role, reforms. Latvia is actively cooperating with the implementation of the concept. Wit- each year would require a gradual increase taking into account the traditional unifying countries whose foreign and security policy hin this process, it is important to identify to ensure that the state funding for defen- cultural and regional ties. It is within the in- objectives are the development of closer core capabilities of the NAF for the fulfil- ce would reach 2% of the gross domestic terests of Latvia to promote the Baltic and cooperation with NATO and the EU. Latvia ment of national defence key tasks. ­product in the future. It would be neces- Nordic cooperation, promoting their unity is ready to share experience and provide 51. Guided by the State Defence Concept and sary to achieve this objective by 2020, and in terms of security and defence policy, as expert advice in the area of defence reform the Military Threat Analysis, the State De- this is connected with the state economic well as deepening the cooperation of the for the South Caucasus countries and the fence Plan, which specifies national defence growth and is based on efficient use of the armed forces. Military cooperation with Po- Western Balkan countries, Moldova and activities, priorities and necessary resources financial resources of the defence sector, land and Germany, which have an impor- other partner countries. and identifies the necessary readiness level facilitating the growth and modernisation of tant role in the security of the Baltic Sea and responsibilities of institutions, individual the NAF. The concept should be implemen- region, is of no less importance. 6. National Defence Planning or legal entities involved in ensuring national ted in accordance with the state budget for 47. Active cooperation with the EU and NATO defence, is adjusted. This concept, the Mili- the current year. countries that are interested in strengthen- 6.1. NAF Development and Operational tary Threat Analysis, and the State Defence 53. Achieving efficiency targets: ing security in the Baltic Sea region. It is Planning System Plan are the basis for the guidelines of the 53.1. to implement development projects and within the interests of Latvia to promote the minister of defence on the fulfilment of the ensure timely renewal of equipment, involvement of other EU and NATO coun- 50. When planning the development of the NAF, tasks of the NAF and operational planning each year not less than 20% of the NAF tries in resolving the security issues in the the guidelines of the concept are observed: assumptions for the elaboration of the State budget must allocated for the acquisition Baltic Sea region, expanding the traditional 50.1. The development of the NAF is planned Defence Operational Plan. of armament and equipment of the NAF. formats in the region of military cooperation in the medium and long term, based on At the same time, it must be ensured that of the Baltic and Nordic countries. the Military Threat Analysis, operational 6.2. Resource Planning personnel costs do not exceed 50% of 48. Promotion of cooperation with the Russian study and in accordance with the Natio- the NAF budget, continuing the profes- Federation is a security and stability strength- nal Armed Forces Law. To ensure a long- 52. Ensuring long-term prospects. Strengthe- sional development, training and mo- ening aspect of the Baltic Sea region. It is term operation and development of the ning national defence capabilities within dernisation of the NAF, as well as pro- within the interests of Latvia to promote the NAF, based on the operational capability the framework of NATO collective defence, viding that the administrative element

14 15 of the NAF does not exceed 10% of the 54.3. by promoting the competitiveness of total NAF personnel; and private enterprises and development of 53.2. for the increase in the capabilities of the technologies, focusing on the involve- NAF unit deployment according to NATO ment of local suppliers in the performan- common policy planning, Latvia develops ce of large-scale military goods procure- capabilities in order to ensure that no ment contracts; and less than 8% (or 450 soldiers) of the NAF 54.4. by promoting the organisation of military total professional service personnel are exercises and training in Latvia, which sustained in operational areas. No less enables the attraction of local businesses than 50% of the total professional per- for exercise support by providing various sonnel of the NAF should be deployable services or the required infrastructure. in order to participate in NATO-led, EU- led and other international organisations- 7. Final Provisions led operations. 54. Support for economic development through 55. The fundamental strategic principles and military acquisitions. It is possible to provide the guidelines for ensuring national defen- the latter: ce and development of military capabili- 54.1. by participating in multilateral cooperation ties outlined in the State Defence Concept projects, without which the development have been set for the medium and long of lacking defence capabilities in conditi- term periods. ons of reduced defence budget would be 56. State authorities of the Republic of Latvia limited or even impossible, by organising ensure the implementation of the State joint military procurement with other Bal- Defence Concept within the scope of their tic States, including offering them the use competence and the tasks set forth in laws of own training infrastructure; and regulations. 54.2. by promoting the participation of Latvian 57. According to the National Security Law, private enterprises in NATO military indus- the Saeima approves the State Defence try supply and transit chains that increases Concept not less than once during each the country’s export capacity and increa- convening by 1 October of the second year ses economic turnover opportunities; of its operation.

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