ministry of defence public report of the year...

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE PUBLIC REPORT

OF THE YEAR 2015

Aizsardzības ministrija

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE PUBLIC REPORT OF THE YEAR 2015

CONTENT

Introduction by State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence ............................................................... 5Chapter 1. General characteristics of the Ministry of Defence operation ......................................... 8

1.1. The legal status of the Ministry of Defence .................................................................................. 81.2. Fields, functions and tasks of the policy ....................................................................................... 81.3. Activities, priorities and budget programmes ............................................................................... 91.4. The main tasks of the year 2015.................................................................................................... 101.5. Institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Defence ...................................................................... 11

Chapter 2. Financial resources of the Ministry of Defence and the results of the institution’s performance ....................................................................................................................... 12

2.1. The Ministry of Defence budgetary financing and budget outturn ................................................ 12MoD state budgetary financing and its outturn (EUR) ............................................................. 12MoD reporting year budget programmes ................................................................................. 13State budget long-term commitment projects ........................................................................... 18

2.2. The results of the MoD performance in 2015 ................................................................................ 19The Defence Policy ....................................................................................................................... 19

The development of the State Defence Concept ................................................................. 19Regional cooperation........................................................................................................... 19Strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities ........................................................................ 24

Strengthening the principles of NATO’s collective defence .......................................................... 25Implementation of the NATO Readiness Action Plan ......................................................... 25

Contribution to international security ............................................................................................ 26The Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU .............................................................. 26Arms control ....................................................................................................................... 28Participation in international operations ............................................................................ 29

Geospatial information policy ....................................................................................................... 30Planning and implementation of military geospatial policy ................................................ 30Civilian geospatial policy planning and implementation .................................................... 31

The development of regulations in the state defence sector .......................................................... 32Logistics policy ............................................................................................................................. 35

Supply of the National Armed Forces ................................................................................. 36Promotion of business environment in the defence sector .................................................. 37Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................... 38Defence capabilities’ development projects ........................................................................ 38

Coordination of scientific research activity .................................................................................. 40

Ministry of Defence of Republic of Latvia Public Report of the Year 2015

Military education and language acquisition ................................................................................ 42Systems for improving institution’s administration and performance .......................................... 42

Internal audit ....................................................................................................................... 42The Office of Inspector General .......................................................................................... 43Structural changes and reorganizations .............................................................................. 43

2.3. The main activities and results of the Ministry of Defence subordinate institutions(incl. the National Armed Forces) ................................................................................................. 44The Latvian War Museum ............................................................................................................. 44

Availability of the museum and its educational work ......................................................... 44Research work ..................................................................................................................... 45 Exposition and temporary exhibitions ................................................................................. 45Museum’s holdings work .................................................................................................... 45Museum’s infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 46Information about the possible factors influencing institution’s operation ......................... 46

Recruitment and Youth Guard Centre ........................................................................................... 46Youth Guard ........................................................................................................................ 46Military information ............................................................................................................ 48Recruitment ......................................................................................................................... 50

The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency ............................................................................... 50State Centre for Defence Military Sites and Procurement ........................................................... 53Military Intelligence and Security Service ................................................................................... 55National Armed Forces ................................................................................................................. 56

Participation of the NAF in military exercises ................................................................... 57Participation of the NAF in international operations .......................................................... 58NAF support to the public ................................................................................................... 59

Chapter 3. The Ministry of Defence personnel ................................................................................... 61Chapter 4. Communication with the public ........................................................................................ 63

4.1. Events for informing and educating the public ............................................................................ 634.2. Researching public opinion .......................................................................................................... 654.3. Cooperation with non-governmental sector ................................................................................. 67

Chapter 5. Ministry of Defence plan for the year 2016 ...................................................................... 695.1. Activities launched in 2015 that will be continued ...................................................................... 695.2. The main tasks and activities for the year 2016 ........................................................................... 705.3. Planned cooperation projects for the year 2016 ........................................................................... 715.4. Ministry of Defence budget for the year 2016 .............................................................................. 72

Abbreviations used in the Ministry of Defence Public Report .......................................................... 74


5

Introduction by State Secretaryof the Ministry of Defence

Honourable readers of the Ministry of DefencePublic Report for the Year 2015,

Last year the priority of the Ministry of Defencewas to strengthen Latvia’s combat capabilitiesand to increase combat readiness. To achievethis aim, an important decision was taken to in-crease the defence budget, reaching 2% of thegross domestic product in 2018.

In order to strengthen National ArmedForces capabilities in 2015, the developmentof new capabilities in National Armed Forces(incl. National Guard) was continued, as wellas corrections of flaws in existing capabilities,including planning procurements for the fol-lowing years. In 2015 ammunition for theCarl-Gustav weapon, modernized M-14 riflesand the G3 assault rifles were received, and12.7 mm machine guns were purchased. In ad-dition, the National Armed Forces worked onproviding the State Border Guard with the armsthat complies with the NATO standards.

Combat individual protection system equip-ment was upgraded for National Armed Forcesregular force units and the National Guard, pur-chasing fabric for combat uniforms, sewingservices for uniforms, gloves, hats, boots forwarm and cold weather, combat webbing vests,survival kits, camouflage items, etc. for thetotal of 4 million EUR. In supplying uniformsand food for NAF, Latvia’s entrepreneurs arewidely represented.

In the previous year the work on the NationalArmed Forces capabilities’ development projectscontinued, and host nation support was im-proved, involving the following activities: AirCommand and Control System Software BasedElement Project was continued, an aviation fuelstorage facility was built on the NAF Aviationbase, concurrently commencing the installationof communication, aero navigation and meteor-ological equipment in the airfield. In addition,the base provided the possibility to host andaccommodate allied troops. The implementationof the first stage of the NAF LF Infantry Brigademechanization project was continued, purchas-ing tracked reconnaissance combat vehicles.Within the framework of the Air Space Surveil-lance Radar Project, a radar post for air spacesurveillance was open in Ventspils. For furtherdevelopment of air defence capabilities, agree-ments were signed for the acquisition of missilesfor the short-range air defence missile systemRBS-70 and supply of fire control radar“Sentinel”. As a part of the project for the

development of Special Operations Forces, onecombat group was certified in compliance withthe NATO standards.


6 Ministry of Defence of Republic of Latvia Public Report of the Year 2015

In order to provide an opportunity to organize alarger scale joint military training and meet thenecessary requirements, the extension of mili-tary training grounds in Adazi and Lacusils waslaunched. It has been planned to increase the territory of Adazi training ground by ~ 5200haand the training ground in Lacusils – by 3300ha.

To implement the deterrence policy andstrengthen regional defence capabilities, thedecisions, taken in the NATO summit in Wales,were implemented in 2015, incl. the NATOReadiness Action Plan. Based on these signifi-cant decisions, constant long-term presence ofallied troops in Latvia, pre-positioning of alliedmilitary equipment in the Baltic region and theenforcement of the NATO Baltic Air Policingmission are enhanced.

Providing the improvement of combat capabili-ties’ and ensuring combat readiness, in 2015the National Armed forces troops participated in69 different military exercises, the majority ofwhich were international. Along with the NATOforces, contingents stationed in Latvia and otherinternational partners, cooperation in various aspects of defence was trained and developedduring the exercises. The major exercises included “Arrcade Fusion 2015”, “Baltic Host2015”, “Summer Shield XII”, “Sabre Strike2015”, “Sword 2015” (“Zobens 2015”), “SilverArrow 2015” (“Sudraba Bulta 2015”), “Detonator 2015” (“Detonators 2015”), etc.

Engaging in international activities, 64 militarypersonnel from Latvia took part in four interna-

tional operations: NATO’s military training operation “Resolute Support” in Afghanistan,EU training operation in Mali and EU counter-piracy operation “Atalanta” near the coast of Somalia, as well as in the new EU naval opera-tion in the Mediterranean.

In the first half of the previous year, within theframework of the Latvian Presidency in theCouncil of the European Union, the Ministry ofDefence successfully brought up the necessityfor solving the priority issues of the defence sector. Those were: EU-NATO and EU-USA co-operation enhancement, strengthening cybersecu-rity, as well as hybrid threat elimination issues.

In order to ensure NATO’s collective defence,we continued to train for common action for thestate defence together with the allies. Thisprocess entailed establishing a common com-mand and control and communication systemand procedures, unified and immediate decision-making, as well as ability and readiness to act incoordination in case of a threat to the state.

In the previous year, a lot of effort was made inconnection with specifying and discussing thefundamental strategic principles and priorities ofthe state defence, as well as with defining statedefence measures. I am content that the StateDefence Concept for years 2016-2020 has beendrawn up and ratified. Based on this document,the NAF Development Plan is being finalized inorder to ensure the implementation of strategicdirections and measures determined by the StateDefence Concept.

7

In 2016 several significant equipment suppliesfor the development of the NAF capabilities areplanned. Also various infrastructure improvementworks, commenced in 2015, will continue in 2016.

In order to ensure rapid reaction capabilities anddecentralized command system in the NationalArmed Forces, in 2016, we are making the mosteffort to develop the NAF LF Infantry Brigade,Special Operations Forces and the NationalGuard. A significant part of the state defence iswell-prepared reserve soldiers and youth guards,who will be educated also in cyber defence. Inaddition, military integration of the Baltic Statesis in progress.

In 2016 we are continuing to improve the capa-bilities to react to cyber security incidents, in

order to prevent them and to ensure the defenceof the virtual environment. We are also introduc-ing a responsible procedure for security flawsdetection. In order to provide comprehensivegeospatial information, we are working on thedevelopment of several essential cartographicand geospatial information materials and instru-ments, incl. the preparation of a map of theBaltic Sea and the coastal territory of Latvia.

We will ensure that the National Armed Forcesof Latvia are strong and provide the defence forLatvia. Latvia and its defence sector is a reliableand good partner for our allies in NATO andother parts of the world!

Respectfully,State Secretary Janis Garisons


8

Chapter 1

1. General characteristics ofthe Ministry of Defenceoperation

1.1. The legal status of the Ministryof Defence

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the leadingstate governance institution in the state defencesector. MoD is the superior institution for its sub-ordinate state governance institutions.

The Minister of Defence leads the work of theMoD, whereas the State Secretary manages ad-ministrative work and ensures the fulfilment ofthe ministry’s functions. The link between theMinister and the Parliament (the Saeima) is pro-vided by the parliamentary secretary.

The administrative management of the MoD in2015 was provided by four undersecretaries ofstate (for Policy, Logistics, Finance and Admin-istrative and Legal matters), executive secretaryin the matters of military capabilities’ develop-ment, 11 department directors and four heads ofindependent sections.

1.2. Fields, functions and tasks of the policy

The MoD draws up the state defence policy andorganizes and coordinates the implementationof the state security policy in the fields of geo-desy, cartography and geospatial information,in the field of military education and science,as well as coordinates national cyberdefence

policy. The MoD plans the National ArmedForces medium-term and long-term capabilitydevelopment – infrastructure, personnel, financesand logistics.

In order to fulfil these functions, the ministryperforms the following tasks:• Ensures the development of the NAF and the

compliance with the military capabilities asappointed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organ-ization (NATO);

• Prepares military threat analysis, works outthe State Defence Concept and State DefencePlan, the NAF Development Plan, the NAFMobilization Plan and Host Nation Support(HNS) Plan;

• Ensures the development of personnel man-agement and military education policies forthe personnel involved in the state defence;

• Participates in shaping security and state defence policy carried out by NATO, the European Union (EU) and other internationalsecurity and defence organizations;

• Ensures bilateral and multilateral state coop-eration in compliance with the priorities ofthe state defence policy;

• Ensures Latvia’s participation in the imple-mentation of international security and defencemeasures;

• Plans participation of the NAF in interna-tional operations;

• Leads NAF mobilization and the involve-ment of those foreign armed forces, the sup-port of which has been deemed necessary bythe Cabinet of Ministers;

• Formulates policy for the state defence techni-cal support and logistics, draws up guidelines


9Ministry of Defence of Republic of Latvia Public Report of the Year 2015

for the NAF, as well as prepares conceptualdocuments in the field of logistics;

• Establishes a policy in matters of troops’ socialguarantees and ensures social guarantees forthe NAF personnel as stated in the regulations;

• Authorizes foreign armed forces to pre-posi-tion arms in the Republic of Latvia temporarilyand transport it out of the country, keepsrecords and controls the imported arms in accordance with the regulations;

• Issues licences for specific types of businessactivity on occasions and following the pro-cedure as stipulated by the regulations;

• Ensures the preparation of the projects for reg-ulations, as well as the methodological man-agement and supervision of the defence sectorin the fields of geodesy and cartography;

• Produces guidelines for a military-patrioticupbringing policy for youth;

• Coordinates cooperation with scientific organizations in the field of state defence;

• Draws up guidelines on public informationabout matters of state defence and interna-tional security policy;

• Coordinates shaping and implementation ofinformation technology security policy.

1.3. Activities, priorities and budget programmes

During the year 2015, as a reaction to the unsta-ble security situation worldwide and in the vicin-ity of Latvia and NATO, a lot of effort wasdevoted to a gradual increase of the state defencefunding, planning to reach 2% of the gross do-mestic product (GDP) already in 2018. MoDpaid increasing attention to the development of

state self-defence capability and strengtheningcombat readiness. Among the most significantdirections for the development of NAF capa-bilities are host nation support (HNS), earlywarning and ensuring situational awareness, aswell as the increase of combat readiness. Con-currently, the MoD worked on the implemen-tation of existing projects and maintenance ofmilitary capability.

The main MoD activities last year were thefollowing:• Air space surveillance and air defence capa-

bility development;• The development of LF (LF) and continua-

tion of the NAF mechanization project;• Development of Special Operations Forces;• Strengthening the role of the National Guard

in the state defence;• Infrastructure development and improvement

of HNS in order to enhance the presence ofallied forces;

• Maintenance and development of combat capabilities, including strengthening the coop-eration among the Baltic States;

• Participation in international operations andin rapid reaction forces;

• Improvement of NAF soldiers’ service infra-structure and organization of the storage system;

• Involvement of youth in military-patrioticupbringing.

In 2015 the MoD budget was distributedamong 8 budget programmes:• State security protection;• War museum;• National Armed Forces;

Chapter 1

10

• Geodesy and cartography;• State defence policy implementation;• Pension fund for military personnel;• Defence property management;• Youth Guard Centre;• Military and defence representatives abroad;• Implementation of other projects and meas-

ures of EU policy instruments;• Projects co-funded by other foreign finan-

cial aid;• Ensuring the Latvian Presidency in the Council

of the European Union in 2015;• Field management and policy planning;• Expenditure of funds from the Emergency

Relief Fund.

1.4. The main tasks of the year 2015

• Air space surveillance and the developmentof air defence capabilities, signing an agree-ment on the acquisition of systems;

• Improvement of the National Guard trainingprocess and its quality enhancement;

• Continuation of establishing higher readi-ness units within the National Guard, including providing the necessary training;

• Implementation of the LF Infantry Brigade(InfBde) mechanization project, launchingthe acquisition of the necessary additionalequipment, infrastructure construction andpersonnel training. At the end of the year,the first combat vehicles reconnaissance(tracked) (CVR(T)s) were received;

• Increase of the overall NAF combat readi-ness and test;

• Development of cybersecurity capabilities andthe further establishment of a cyberdefence unit;

• Development and improvement of the NAFcommand and control and communicationssystem;

• Strengthening Youth Guard movement andenhancing its availability;

• HNS improvement and infrastructure devel-opment, including the development of Adazibase and Lielvarde airfield infrastructure;

• Participation in national and internationalmilitary exercises of various scale, includ-ing, Latvia’s participation in the NATO HighReadiness Force certification exercise “Trident Juncture”, contributing approxi-mately 230 military personnel to the Balticbattalion. In June 2015, the US-led jointland and air forces military exercise “SaberStrike 2015” was held in the Baltic Statesand in Poland. More than 6000 military per-sonnel from Canada, Denmark, Estonia,Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway,Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Great Britain andthe US participated in this exercise.

• Participation in the NATO-led internationaltraining mission “Resolute Support”(RS) inAfghanistan, EU operation “Atalanta” andEU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali)was continued;

• Participation in NATO and EU rapid reactionforces continued, contributing a platoon fromthe Military Police (MP) and a minesweeper,as well as by ensuring Latvia’s participationin the Swedish-led EU Battle group.

• Implementation of the Latvian Presidency inthe Council of the EU, fostering EU memberstates’ and partner states’ resistance againsthybrid threat, EU- NATO and EU-US coop-eration, as well as improving cyber security.

Chapter 1



1.5. Institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Defence

In 2015 the number of the institutions subordi-nate to the Ministry of Defence remained unchanged, but functions were redistributed inone of them:• Latvian War Museum (LWM) fosters public

education, collects, stores, studies, exhibitsand popularises spiritual and material state-ments connected with Latvia’s military andpolitical history.

• Latvian Geospatial Information Agency(LGIA) implements state policy in fields of ge-odesy, cartography and geospatial information,and obtains, processes and maintains basic ge-odesic and cartographic data for military andcivilian needs, as well as ensures the operationof basic geospatial data information system.

• Recruitment and Youth Guard Centre(RYGC) (due to the redistribution of func-tions - Youth Guard and Information Centre(YGIC) as of 2016), educates youth in thefield of state defence by implementing aYouth Guard training pilot programme; ensures representation of the MoD and NAFcurrent events in audio-visual form in variousmass media; and publishes a monthly military

magazine “Tevijas sargs”. In 2015 RYGCalso performed the recruitment-related tasksfor the NAF. Since 2016 the NAF recruitmentfunction has been taken over by the NAF Recruitment and Selection Centre.

• State Centre for Defence Military Sites andProcurement (SCDMSP) organizes the con-struction of state military defence installations,manages the real estate of the defence sector,takes environment protection measures, aswell as performs certain NAF logistics func-tions, including the implementation of publicprocurement procedure, contract management,classification military-technical means.

• The Military Intelligence and Security Serv-ice (MIDD) is a state security institution thatcollects military counter intelligence and intelligence.

• The Chief of Defence of the NAF is in directsubordination to the Minister of Defence andthe Minister performs civilian control overarmed forces. The NAF is a set of militaryformations that protects Latvia’s sovereignty,territorial unity and its population from aggression. The NAF provide security andcontrol over land, sea and airspace. The NAFconsist of regular forces, the National Guardand the NAF reserve.

Chapter 1

12

Chapter 2

2. Financial resources of the Ministry of Defence and the results of the institution’s performance

2.1. The Ministry of Defence budgetary financing and budget outturn

Funds from the State’s General Budget are allocated to the MoD in compliance with the state budget lawfor the current year and they consist of:

• Subsidies from the total income• Income from paid services and other own income;• Foreign financial aid;• Transfer payments.

No. Financial assets Previous year(actual outturn)

Reporting year

Plan Actual outturn

1. Financial resources for cov-ering expenses (in total) 222 848 214 260 056 142 255 333 762

1.1. Subsidy from the total income 218 489 320 255 656 261 252 343 511

1.2. Income from paid services andother own income 1 438 883 2 226 093 1 505 255

1.3. Foreign financial aid 2 496 190 2 021 091 1 345 829

1.4. Transfer payments 423 821 152 697 139 167

2. Expenses (in total) 222 848 214 260 056 142 254 845 163

2.1. Carrying costs (in total) 198 559 170 234 189 767 230 219 387

2.1.1. Subventions and subsidies andsocial security benefits 10 974 753 14 035 202 11 512 655

2.1.2. International cooperation 9 012 694 7 647 163 7 190 329

2.1.3. Other carrying costs 178 571 723 212 507 402 211 516 403

2.2. Capital expenses 24 289 044 25 866 375 24 625 776

The MoD state budgetary financing and outturn (EUR)


13

Chapter 2

Programme “State security protection”In compliance with Section 24 Paragraph 5 of the law “On State Security Institutions” and Regula-tions of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 887of 26 October, 2004, “List of Official State Secret Objects”Paragraph 2.5.1., the information about the expenses of this program is secret.

Code of the programme Title of the programme

Plannedbudget(EUR)

Outturn ofexpenses(EUR)

06.00.00. State security protection 9 907 479 9 906 554

12.00.00. War museum 1 353 063 1 345 577

22.00.00. National Armed Forces 175 812 104 175 669 101

28.00.00. Geodesy and cartography 5 541 175 5 293 428

30.00.00. State defence policy implementation 10 061 291 9 556 746

31.00.00. Pension fund for military personnel 13 453 283 10 930 787

33.00.00. Defence property management 23 127 888 22 724 965

34.00.00. Youth Guard Centre 3 080 726 3 036 237

35.00.00. Military and defence representatives abroad 5 562 175 5 549 023

70.00.00. Implementation of other projects and measuresof EU policy instruments 353 117 336 843

73.00.00. Projects co-funded by other foreign financial aid 6 039 562 4 774 304

96.00.00. Ensuring the Latvian Presidency in the Councilof the European Union in 2015 585 550 566 149

97.00.00. Field management and policy planning 4 874 522 4 859 468

99.00.00. Expenditure of funds from the Emergency Relief Fund 304 207 295 981

IN TOTAL MoD 260 056 142 254 485 163

The MoD report year budget programmes


Programme “War museum”Operation of Latvian War Museum and the association “Brethren Cemetery Committee” are financedfrom this programme.

Programme “National Armed Forces”The Programme includes funding for the NAF – all carrying costs of regular NAF units and NationalGuard, and expenses for international operations and centralized salaries of the NAF personnel.

Programme “Geodesy and cartography”Funding for the program has been allocated for fulfilling functions of LGIA and ensuring stateborder demarcation between the Republic of Latvia and Russian Federation.

Programme “State defence policy implementation”The Programme includes funding for participation in NATO events, for fostering information tech-nology security in Latvia and payments for international organizations.

14

Chapter 2

Financing of the budget programme and its outturn (EUR)


Reporting year

Plan Actual outturn

1. Financial resources for covering expenses (in total) 11 053 603 10 061 291 9 556 746


1.2. Income from paid services andother own income 7 849 0 0



2.1.1. Subventions and subsidies andsocial security benefits 70 000 70 000 70 000

2.1.2. International cooperation 9 012 694 7 647 163 7 190 329

2.1.3. Other carrying costs 1 755 962 2 077 462 2 067 491

2.2. Capital expenses 214 947 266 666 228 926


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Chapter 2

Programme “Pension fund for military personnel”The aim of the programme is to provide pension payments for retired military personnel, statemandatory insurance payments, as well as to allocate social security benefits and bonuses in com-pliance with the legislation in force.

Programme “Defence property management”SCDMSP operation is financed from this programme, as well as the MoD repairs, construction,state military installation management and procurement procedures for the needs of the MoD, itssubordinate institutions and the NAF.

Programme “Youth Guard Centre”Operation of RYGC (as of January 1, 2016 –YGIC) is financed from this programme, includingYouth Guard movement, public information function and enhancement of support for Latvia’sdefence policy.

Programme“Military and defence representatives abroad”Funding from this programme is allocated to ensure work of Latvia’s defence attachés and repre-sentatives, as well as the NAF military representatives and technical personnel of the NAF militaryrepresentations.

Nr. p. k. Financial assets Previous year

(actual outturn)

Reporting year

Plan Actual outturn



2. Expenditure (in total) 10 652 187 13 453 283 10 930 787


2.1.1. Subventions and subsidies andsocial security benefits 10 652 187 13 453 283 10 930 787



16

Chapter 2


No. FinFinancial assets Previous year(actual outturn)

Reporting year

Plan Actual outturn

1. Finanšu resursi izdevumusegšanai (kopā) 4 889 471 5 562 175 5 549 023

1.1. Dotācija no vispārējiem ieņēmumiem 4 889 471 5 562 175 5 549 023

2. Izdevumi (kopā) 4 889 471 5 562 175 5 549 023

2.1. Uzturēšanas izdevumi (kopā) 4 756 288 5 500 726 5 488 473

2.2. Kapitālie izdevumi 133 183 61 449 60 550

Programme“Implementation of other projects and measures of EU policy instruments”The programme includes funding for transportation compensations for Latvia’s representatives whentravelling to the Council of the EU work group meetings and Council sittings. Within the frameworkof the LIFE programme, it also provides funding for the implementation of environment protectionmeasures in real estate under the MoD management.

Programme“Projects cofounded by other foreign financial aid”The NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) is financed from this programme to reconstructmilitary airfield “Lielvarde” in compliance with the NATO requirements. Project implementation willresult in an airfield, complying with the NATO and national requirements, as well as a modern and mul-tifunctional military base, which is necessary for the NAF to perform their duties in ensuring the statesecurity. By carrying out the project, Latvia will implement NATO member state’s measures, includingproviding support measures for NATO operations in case of necessity and servicing NATO air policingaircraft. This programme covers expenses that ensure participation in the project “Advanced NationalNetworks for Administrations” (AnNA) which is co-founded by the European Commission.

Programme“Ensuring the Latvian Presidency in the Council of the European Union in 2015”This programme finances responsibilities of the MoD of the Republic of Latvia that are connectedwith ensuring the Latvian Presidency in the Council of the EU in 2015.


17

Chapter 2


Reporting year

Plan Actual outturn

1. Finanšu resursi izdevumusegšanai (kopā) 460 434 585 550 566 149

1.1. Dotācija no vispārējiemieņēmumiem 460 434 585 550 566 149

2. Izdevumi (kopā) 460 434 585 550 566 149

2.1. Uzturēšanas izdevumi (kopā) 460 434 585 550 566 149


Programme “Field management and policy planning”This programme includes funding that is necessary for ensuring the operation of the MoD centralapparatus.

Programme “Expenditure of funds from the Emergency Relief Fund”The programme was established, based on orders by the Cabinet of Ministers and Ministry of Finance “Reallocation of Financial Resources from the State Budget Programme “Expenditure ofFunds from the Emergency Relief Fund””. Funds were channelled:

• to ensure compliance with the Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 355 of July 6, 2015, (information for official use); Protocol No. 30 § 81;

• to ensure compliance with the Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 370 of July 7, 2015, (information for official use); Protocol No. 32 § 44;


Reporting year

Plan Actual outturn



1.2. Income from paid services andother own income 29 868 14 157 19 515



2.2. Capital expenses 8 3980 5 964 5 945



18

Project In the reporting year (million EUR)

Development of the NAF communications system 2,75

Establishment of the state cartography system 0,04

1. NAF long-term contracts, incl.: 46,82

1.1. Ensuring fulfilment of regular NAF tasks 14,78

1.2. Jauno politikas iniciatīvu (JPI) ilgtermiņa līgumi, t.sk.: 32,04

1.2.1. Ensuring the presence of high readiness forces and allies 0,65

1.2.2. Development of SOF capability 1,12

1.2.3. Development of the NG and the establishment of high readiness units from 2015 to 2018 1,22

1.2.4. Intelligence, air space surveillance and air defence capabilities 9,38

1.2.5. Provision of command and control and communications for leading crisis situations 0,54

1.2.6. Strengthening the NG capabilities and the establishment of an efficient reserve system 5,28

1.2.7. LF InfBde mechanization 13,85

In accordance with directions of the ministry’s operation and structure, the MoD central apparatusimplemented the following budget programmes in the reporting year:

• Programme “State defence policy implementation”;• Programme “Pension fund for military personnel”;• Programme “Military and defence representatives abroad”;• Programme “Ensuring the Latvian Presidency in the Council of the European Union in 2015”;• Programme “Field management and policy planning”.

Long-term commitment projects of the state budget

In total 49.61 million EUR from the overall budget of the MoD were spent on the long term commit-ment projects in 2015.In 2015 the NAF implemented ten state budget long-term commitment projects.

Chapter 2


19

2.2. The results of the MoD performance in 2015

The Defence Policy

The development of the State Defence Concept

In accordance with the law on National Secu-rity, the Saeima has to ratify the State DefenceConcept at least once in every term until October1 of their second year of operation. Due to this,the MoD started work on the new SDC alreadyin 2015, concurrently organizing a set of publicdiscussions in order to enhance public aware-ness about topical issues in the defence sectorand foster the public involvement in the prepa-ration of the document.

Experts from the defence sector, politicians,shapers of public opinion and researchers par-ticipated in total of five public discussions onissues, such as hybrid warfare, cyberdefence,information space, self-defence, professionaland conscript military service. Discussionsabout the motivation of youth to get involvedin the state defence were held also in higher educational establishments in Latvia.

During the discussions, a wider public wasgiven an opportunity to get acquainted with themain directions of the SDC, current securitychallenges, the challenges and future of the de-velopment of the NAF defence capabilities, institutional cooperation, as well as the signif-icance of international cooperation in the currentsecurity conditions.

Regional cooperation

Cooperation among the Baltic StatesSince Russia’s policy in the recent years hasexacerbated the security situation in the region,the defence cooperation of the Baltic Statesfocuses on coordinated action, ensuring pres-ence of NATO forces in the Baltics and prepa-ration for the NATO summit in July, 2016.Cooperation of the three Baltic States withPoland and Northern Europe countries, espe-cially, NATO partners - Sweden and Finland -has intensified. Cooperation was commencedin directions which are critical for the BalticStates, for instance, air defence. Taking intoaccount the mobility of modern warfare, thecooperation among the three states’ volunteermilitary organizations intensified as well.

The Baltic States mutually coordinated provid-ing aid for Ukraine, including military personneltraining and activities in the field of humani-tarian and social aid.

In 2015 the Baltic Joint Headquarters elementcontinued to operate successfully, setting theestablishment of early warning informationsystem and the development of the HNS conceptas priorities. The Baltic States’ naval forcescooperate in order to ensure sea surveillancedata exchange. The three states successfullyimplemented also HNS NATO Baltic Air Polic-ing missions for rotations in 2015.

In order to become a part of NATO ResponseForce (NRF) in 2016, the Baltic battalion (jointmilitary unit of the Baltic States) successfully

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completed the certification exercise “TridentJuncture”, which was held in Spain.

Also Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL)successfully continues its work, offering profes-sional military education for senior and higherofficers of the Baltic States, NATO and other al-lies. In 2015 a review of the college structure wascommenced, which is linked to both growingtraining needs of the Baltic States’ officers andthe necessity to continue to attract NATO/ EU,as well as Eastern Partnership countries.

Bilateral cooperationIn 2015 intensive military cooperation with themain Latvia’s strategic partner – the UnitedStates (US) continued. US troops and the units’equipment remained in Adazi military base ona rotational basis. The M1 “Abrams” tank pla-toon and two “Bradley”-type transport platoonsrepeatedly participated in LF military training.

For the first time helicopters UH-60 “Blackhawk”were stationed in the NAF Aviation base wherethey remained throughout 2015 and will con-tinue into 2016. At present 6 helicopters with80 people crew are stationed in Lielvarde. In2015 a military exercise for the unmanned aerialvehicles MQ-1 “Predator” took place on theNAF Aviation base, which was another suc-cessful cooperation project between Latvia’sNAF and US Michigan National Guard. It wasthe first time that US Aircrafts of this type werestationed in Europe. This initiative will be con-tinued and developed in order to establish theNAF Aviation base as a regional centre forunmanned aerial vehicles.

In 2014, within the framework of EuropeanReassurance Initiative (ERI), the resources,allocated by the US, for increasing security inthe region (the Baltic States, Poland, Romania,Bulgaria, Ukraine) were invested in developinginfrastructure and air defence capabilities. 4million EUR will be spent on the NAF Aviationbase projects, and 10 million EUR will be invested in Adazi military base. In order toimprove air defence, four “Sentinel”-type radarswere purchased. Construction work continuedwithin the framework of previously confirmedUS projects – a hangar for unmanned aerialvehicles in Adazi, training operation centre forSOF, as well as construction of barracks onAdazi military base.

In 2015 the first US representatives to work inLatvia’s NATO forces integration unit (NFIU) ar-rived. It is planned that in 2016 five military per-sonnel will represent the US in this headquarters.

Cooperation with the main Latvia’s strategicpartner in Europe – The United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Northern Ireland (GreatBritain) – can be assessed as active in ongoingprojects, and new initiatives have also beenlaunched. LF InfBde mechanization projectwas continued – the first armoured vehicleswere received, specialists of this capabilitykeep training, and also the work on the mech-anization initiative doctrine is in progress. InNovember 2015, due to active involvement ofLatvia in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corpse(ARRC) in Gloster, Great Britain, Latviahosted the largest British exercise in the historyof the Baltic States – “Arrcade Fusion 15”. This

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exercise tested the Corpse’s headquarters’ abilityto control deployment of forces in conditionsof a fictitious humanitarian crisis. The versatilescenario of the exercise allowed assessing thecorpse’s ability to adapt to global security chal-lenges, as well as testing individual capabilitiesof personnel and collective capabilities of theheadquarters. More than 1000 foreign militarypersonnel took part in this multinational head-quarters’ exercise.

In May 2015 another rotation of Great Britain’sRoyal Air Forces began the NATO Baltic AirSpace Policing mission, but this time - onEmari base in Estonia. During the LatvianPresidency in the Council of the EU, the UnitedKingdom Armed Forces’ expert was deployedto the Ministry of Defence who started work inNFIU headquarters. An expert was also deployedto NATO Strategic Communications Centre ofExcellence (NATO StratCom COE). Activecooperation in the field of military trainingcontinued – British troops participated in theexercises “Saber Strike” and “Silver Arrow”,whereas Latvian LF Inf Bde Infantry Companyparticipated in the British military exercise“Wessex Storm”.

In 2015 The UK Ministry of Defence financedstudies for one civilian representative fromLatvia’s Ministry of Defence in London (RoyalCollege of Defence Studies).

The second most important transatlantic part-ner – Canada – continued active participationin military exercises in the territory of Latvia -“Ziema”, “Silver Arrow”, “Summer Shield”.

In April 2015 German Minister of DefenceUrzula von der Leyen visited Latvia to discussbilateral cooperation and the new regional chal-lenges. In order to strengthen the security of theBaltic States, in 2015 Germany participated inthe Baltic Air Policing mission , and the GermanArmed Forces 37th Mechanized InfBde unitfrom Saxia arrived to Latvia to take part in mil-itary exercises and training together with troopsfrom Latvia and other allied countries. In 2015Germany sent an expert on cybersafety mattersto work in the Ministry of Defence during theLatvian Presidency in the Council of the EU;two officers were deployed to NATO StratComCOE and four officers – to Latvia’s NFIU.

In December 2015 a mutual declaration aboutthe stance on the situation in Ukraine wassigned during the meeting of the Defence Min-isters of the Baltic States and Poland. The min-isters discussed topical issues in regionalsecurity and possibilities for cooperation, aswell as providing support for Ukraine. Coop-eration with Poland is continued also in devel-oping and improving the capability of Jointterminal attack controllers (JTAC). Two peoplerepresent Latvia in JTAC School in Poland. Atechnical agreement about the involvement ofLatvia’s soldiers in the training process wassigned. In 2015 Latvia increased its represen-tation from one to four officers in Szczecin,Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC N-E).One representative from Latvia continues workin Bydgoszcz, Joint Force Training Centre(JFTC). In August 2015 Poland sent one officerto NATO StratCom COE, but in November oneofficer started work in NFIU.

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In November 2015 Defence Ministry policydirectors from Latvia and Hungary met inRiga and discussed regional security issues andcurrent events in NATO.

From May to August last year, Norway carriedout the Baltic Air Policing mission with fourfighter jets F-16. In October 2015 a bilateralmeeting of both countries’ Ministers of De-fence took place in Brussels during which anadditional memorandum of understanding oncooperation in fields of research, industry andpurchase was signed. As every year, Norwaycontributed five members of teaching staff tothe Baltic States’ Naval Intermediate Staff andCommand Course (NICSC) which was organ-ized by Latvia. Norway continued to sponsorthe work of two Latvian experts in Kosovo.

In 2015 a new plan for further cooperation anda new memorandum of understanding for co-operation in the field of defence were signedwith Denmark. In March the NAF Chief ofDefence visited Denmark, but the Ministers ofDefence of both countries met in Brussels inOctober. Denmark actively participated in theexercise “Detonator”, however the main activ-ities of cooperation were those betweenLatvia’s LF InfBde and the Danish division.

In 2015 Latvia was regularly visited by high-leveldelegations and officials of Sweden, includingState Secretary of Swedish Defence Ministry andNational Armed Forces commander. At the endof the year Latvia’s MoD State Secretary andMinister of Defence visited Sweden to raise pos-sibilities for closer cooperation and to sign an

agreement with the company “SAAB Dynamics”on the acquisition of Mk2 missiles for Latvia’sair defence systems RBS-70.

From November 24 to November 25 the MoDpolicy director – Deputy State Secretary andexperts from the MoD participated in a seminaron foreign policies and security policies ofFrance and the Baltic States. It was held inParis, and they discussed ongoing and furthercooperation in the field of defence.

The Netherlands sent their representative forwork in NATO StratCom COE in November 2015.

From January to April 2015 Spain participatedin the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission fromEmari Air base in Estonia. On February 19,2015, during the Latvian Presidency in theCouncil of the EU, when an informal meetingof the EU Defence Ministers took place, a bi-lateral meeting of Latvia’s and Spain’s Minis-ters of Defence took place as well. During themeeting the ministers discussed both states’ regional security issues, as well as directionsfor further cooperation, including update of legaland contractual base. On May 14-15, 2015, the third Baltic States and Spain’s security anddefence policy seminar was held in Riga inwhich regional security issues, current eventsof NATO, as well as security and defence policypriorities during the Latvian Presidency in theCouncil of the EU were discussed.

During the informal meeting of the EU Defence Ministers on February 19, 2015, alsoa bilateral meeting of Latvian and Portuguese

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Ministers of Defence took place. which regionalsecurity issues of both countries and directionsfor further cooperation were discussed.

In August 2015 Turkish Defence Attaché Bureau in the Baltic States was open in Riga,and it was the first time that a Turkish DefenceAttaché was accredited in Latvia. Political-mil-itary dialogue is maintained on matters of regional security.

During 2015 in cooperation with Georgia,Latvia implemented a bilateral activity plan inthe field of training and education, that is, fourGeorgian officers studied the English languagein the NAF Language School, in turn, a moun-tain training course for Latvian soldiers washeld in Georgia. Also a seminar for strategicplanning was held in Riga for the representa-tives of Georgia’s Ministry of Defence. Withexperts in three fields Latvia is involved in theNATO’s project to support Georgia – Substan-tial NATO-Georgia package (SNGP). Expertsvisit Georgia on regular basis to help with or-ganizing military procurement, sea safety andexercises. On September 10, 2015, Georgia’sMinister of Defence arrived for a visit inLatvia. In July 2015 five representatives fromLatvia participated in the military exercise inGeorgia “Agile Spirit 2015”.

In 2015 the NAF Chaplains’ and Psychologists’services from Latvia provided help to Ukraine,supporting the establishment of such servicesin the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In the summerrepresentatives from Latvia took part in the exercise “Rapid Trident 2015” in Ukraine. In a

year’s time several humanitarian aid shipmentswere sent to support the troops’ families. Thetransportation was organized by the NAFChaplains’ service. Military personnel fromUkraine studied English in the NAF LanguageSchool in Latvia; they arrived for experienceexchange seminar and visited the NAF EODschool. Latvia is sponsoring one year studiesfor a Ukrainian officer in BALTDEFCOL inthe academic year 2015/ 2016.

One of the MoD priorities for international cooperation is South Caucasus region. On July3-4, 2015, Azerbaijani Minister of Defencevisited Latvia. Matters of regional securitywere discussed, including Nagorno-Karabakhand Afghanistan, as well as aspects of bilateralpolitical-military cooperation. In 2015 two sol-diers from Azerbaijan studied English in theNAF Language School. In cooperation withcolleagues from Lithuania, the MoD held aseminar in Baku on the understanding of infor-mation management and security.

On 11-13 May, 2015, Minister of Defence ofthe Republic of Latvia paid an official visit toMacedonia. On 14-15 October, 2015 Ministerof Defence of the Republic of Macedonia arrived in Latvia for a return visit. The officialsdiscussed matters of regional security, integra-tion of Macedonia in NATO and EU, as well asmatters of possible bilateral cooperation.

On November 5-8, 2015 Kosovo’s SecurityForces Minister visited Riga. During the meet-ing, matters of Euro Atlantic integration and regional security, as well as possible bilateral

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cooperation were discussed. In 2015 one MoDexpert in legal issues continued work in theNATO’s work group in Kosovo.

Strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities

Taking into consideration security risks, securityreceived special attention in 2015. In order to im-prove self-defence capabilities more rapidly, a de-cision was made about the increase of the defencebudget, reaching 2% from GDP already in 2018.

In order to increase mobility and firepower ofthe NAF units, mechanization project of LFInfBde continued, and the development of indirect fire support capability has beenplanned. Regarding combat support, the devel-opment of engineer capability was stimulatedwith various mobility and counter-mobilitymeasures, supporting one’s own and alliedforces’ movement and defence, deterring themovement of the opposition forces and provid-ing support to the civilians in case of necessity.

In August 2015 four Combat Vehicles Recon-naissance (Tracked) (CVR (T)) were receivedfrom Great Britain for training purposes. Sol-diers have undergone basic training and trainingfor the improvement of professional skill. Thus,the four following practical military trainingcourses were completed: driving and vehiclemaintenance course, communications course,shooting course and tactical course. In addition,special basic and advanced driving and mainte-nance courses were completed. The personnelselection for staff was initiated, as well as thedevelopment of command and control.

Taking into account the character of the currentthreat, a special emphasis is given to the im-provement of those units whose work is crucialin preventing and neutralizing threat of hybridwar (NG and SOF).

In order to test the present combat readinessand detect and eliminate flaws, several combatreadiness checks were organized in the NAFunits last year. In order to increase nationalguards’ combat readiness and provide initialtraining for all national guards, improvementshave been planned in the training system ofnational guards and reserve soldiers. A pilotproject of National Guard training camp wascarried out in Aizkraukle.

For the needs of the National Guard, 800 anti-tank weapons “Carl Gustav”, 50 cargo trucks“Scania” and 50 lightly armoured “MercedesBenz” all-terrain vehicles were purchased. Theprocedure of the NG cooperation with state institutions in maintaining public order and security was improved.

In the NAF Cyberdefence unit 72 out of 94planned positions have been filled, which results in 77% from the total planned numberof personnel. Concurrently, the work on theunit’s information system architecture and theprocurement of infrastructure equipment wascarried out, completing the procurement in December 2015.

In order to improve the conscription of reservesoldiers and mobilization system and test inpractice, the procedure of reserve soldiers’

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conscription for military exercises and exerciseorganization in accordance with modern requirements that are stipulated in regulations,in the last two weeks of October, 2015, reservesoldiers’ exercise was held.

Ensuring early warning and situational aware-ness is significant in order to be able to react toany kind of threat in a timely manner. Withinthe framework of this priority, air defence andair space surveillance capability developmentproject has been initiated. The development ofintelligence, air space surveillance and air defence capabilities is continued.

In order to develop the capabilities, agreementswere signed on the modernization of long-rangeair space surveillance radar, the acquisition ofthree mobile medium-range air space surveil-lance radars, as well as purchase of Mk2 mis-siles for the missile system RBS-70. The signedcontracts confirm serious commitment to ensure the establishment of the NAF air de-fence system. Furthermore, the US Departmentof Defence signed an agreement about the sup-ply of radars to Latvia. So, tactical air defenceradars that are used in short-range air defencesystems will be received. The acquisition pro-cedure complies with the legislation on USforeign military procurement, and it was pro-vided by the US foreign military funding.

Presence of allied forces in the territory ofLatvia is one of the most significant deterrencemechanisms. Along with the allies’ presence,also the intensity of military training in the regionincreased and that, in turn, enhances interoper-

ability of the allies and national forces. In orderto achieve sustainable presence of alliedforces, the need for infrastructure was recog-nized, and projects for providing the necessaryconditions for hosting foreign soldiers inLatvia were launched.

In order to ensure the NAF combat capabilities,one of the most significant pre-requisites ispersonnel. Measures were taken to fill up thevacancies in the NAF units, as well as to providethe necessary personnel for introducing newcapabilities.

Strengthening the principles of NATO’s collective defence

Implementation of the NATO ReadinessAction Plan

In 2015 work was continued to implement theNATO Readiness Action Plan which wasadopted in the summit in Wales.

The MoD devoted a lot of effort for the imple-mentation of the defence enhancement meas-ures that were launched in 2014 to continue inyear 2015. Contributing to the improvement ofregional security, the US, Great Britain andGermany ensured the presence of their armedforces in Latvia. The NATO Baltic’s Air Policingmission maintained its high intensity schemealso in 2015. Concurrently, the number of mili-tary exercises held in the Baltic region, includingLatvia, rose. Presence of the allied forces is asignificant instrument of deterrence policy thatdemonstrates NATO’s solidarity and readiness

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to stand by the commitment of NATO’s col-lective defence.

In September 2015 NFIU headquarters wasopen in Latvia, the main tasks of which are tomanage, coordinate and provide practical sup-port for NATO combat formations in the regionduring military exercises or real operations. Tostrengthen the defence of NATO’s easternflank, similar units were established also inLithuania, Estonia, Poland and Romania.

Continuing the ongoing NRF reorganization, in2015 NRF Immediate Response Force (IRF)land component acted as a temporary VeryHigh Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).Latvia participated in it with an MP unit.

Along with the presence of allied forces, VJTF,which is characterized by heightened standardsof readiness and vast spectrum of militaryforces, is one of the key elements in providingdefence in the Baltic States in case of crisis. Asof January 1, 2016, the NRF and also VJTFhave been reorganized, significantly strength-ening combat capabilities and readiness tocarry out the envisaged tasks.

Contribution to international security

The Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU

In the first half of 2015, while Latvia was thepresiding country in the Council of the EU, theMoD successfully brought forward and dealtwith matters of priority of the defence sector.

Priority matters included both processes that hadbegun during the time of other presidencies andalso new initiatives that the MoD wished to putforward, so that defence-related EU institutionswould tackle security challenges that are topicalfor all EU regions. The MoD priorities were enhancement of cooperation between EU –NATO and EU – USA, improvement of cyber-security, as well as prevention of hybrid threat.

On June 25-26 it was the second time since theratification of Lisbon contract that Europeansecurity and defence issues were discussed anddecided upon in the European Council. Leadersof EU countries and governments along withthe EU High Commissioner in foreign affairsand defence policy issues and NATO SecretaryGeneral looked back at the work completedsince December 2013. New aims were set forthe EU Common Safety and Defence Policy(CSDP). The European Council’s decision ofJune 25-26 to begin the review of Europeansecurity strategy, drawing up the first EUGlobal Foreign Policy and Security PolicyStrategy by the end of June 2016 may be con-sidered as one of the most significant achieve-ments. Another considerable achievement wasthe task to mobilize all EU instruments to com-bat hybrid threat, providing adequate defencefunding and developing closer cooperationbetween EU and NATO. The Council decidedon drawing up a common EU action plan forpreventing hybrid threat till the end of 2015.Such Council’s mandate for the Commission incooperation with European External ActionService (EEAS), European Defence Agency(EDA), EU member states and NATO would

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allow addressing the hybrid threat more effec-tively, ensuring the security of EU memberstates and partners. The above-mentioned areconsidered the most significant decisions onstrengthening external security during theLatvian Presidency; thus, Europe is adjustingto the new geopolitical situation and interna-tional security environment and challenges.

During the Presidency the MoD paid special at-tention to the necessity to develop capabilitiesthat would foster the resistance of EU memberstates and partner states against hybrid threats(propaganda, cyber-attacks, rebels financed byforeign countries, safety of infrastructure, security of the EU external border and other ele-ments). The Presidency organized several eventsin Riga to foster unity among member states onthis matter. In January the EU defence policy directors discussed hybrid threats, in February –it was done by the Ministers of Defence. InMarch this question was addressed by Latvia’shigher officials in an interparliamentary confer-ence on Common Foreign Policy and SecurityPolicy, as well as the CSDP. On March 25-26 cy-bersecurity in Europe was discussed by subjectmatter experts (SMEs) in a conference in Berlinthat was organized by Latvian and German Min-istries of Defence. In May Latvian Ministry ofForeign Affairs (MFA) held a seminar on the defence of critical infrastructure of the BalticStates’ and the US energy sector and cyber secu-rity in order to strengthen cooperation of thecountries in these areas. The above-mentioneddiscussions fostered preparation for the meetingof EU Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers onMay 18 and the European Council’s discussions

on security, emphasizing the significance of hybrid threat that is important for Latvia.

During the Presidency, EU strategic communi-cation was strengthened and the support wasprovided for the independent mass media in theregion. Specific measures were envisaged byboth Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Januaryand the European Council’s conclusions madein March. A special communications team wasestablished. Also in an informal meeting in February, the EU Ministers of Defence agreedon a closer EU – NATO cooperation in the fieldof strategic communication. In this field, NATOStratCOM COE, accredited in Riga, is one ofthe instruments for enhancing cooperation.

Concurrently, the Presidency worked on fosteringthe cooperation between the EU and USA in thefield of security and defence. On February 13,a seminar was held in Washington, the USA,

in which challenges to transatlantic cooperationand possibilities for further cooperation in thematters of security and defence were discussed.Additional solutions were sought for also inother smaller-scale informal events which wereattended by representatives of the EU memberstates and institutions, US government and ac-ademics from Europe and the US.

In order to reduce and prevent risks and threat incyberspace, a unified and coordinated Europeancybersecurity policy is needed. “Digital Europe”was one of the priorities of the Latvian Presi-dency in the Council of the EU, but cyberdefenceis one of its three core elements. As priorities forthis policy, the MoD had set the ratification of

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the Directive on Network and Information Security (NIS) and the initiative about the introduction of responsible incident detectionat an EU level. This will be the first legislativeact that will determine the basis for networkand information security in the EU. The Direc-tive will determine a unified approach to the EUmember states’ critical infrastructure compa-nies’ and state governance institutions’ notifi-cation about the cyber-attacks that influencecyber safety in one or several member states.During the Latvian Presidency in the Councilof the EU, an agreement was reached with theEuropean Parliament on the main politicalprinciples, thus, for the first time, the Councilof the EU and European Parliament arrived ata common position on the scope of the direc-tive and the envisaged cooperation that is determined by the Directive.

With the Presidency’s friends’ group on cybermatters, led by Latvia, the MoD organized dis-cussions about the EU cybersecurity strategy,its current events and further work priorities.As a response to the suggestions made bymember states, Latvia renewed the documentfor further work.

In cooperation with the German Ministry of Defence, the MoD organized the conference“Cyberdefence in Europe”, which gatheredmore than 100 experts from civilian and militaryfields. The topics discussed in the conferencewere: the implementation of the EU cyberde-fence policy, the application of the EU’s Mutualassistance clause in the context of cyberdefenceand the civil military cooperation.

On May 18, 2015 the Minster of Defence of theRepublic of Latvia and the Defence Ministersfrom Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands,Austria and Finland, as well as the heads ofEEAS, EDA and the EU Military committeesigned document that determines specific activ-ities in order to reduce risks in cyberspace posedby inconsiderate and careless human activity.

On January 29, 2015, the Presidency’s friends’group on cyber matters completed work on theCouncil’s conclusions about cyber diplomacyto emphasize the EU priority issues in cyber-space, to develop them successfully within theframework of the EU and to represent them ina unified manner also globally. The conclusionsemphasize the necessity to foster justice in cyberspace, strengthen the implementation ofstates’ international responsibilities in the fieldof human rights, foster comprehensive andequal access to the Internet, as well as enhancethe development of cyber capabilities allaround the world.

Arms control

In 2015 Latvia continued to show its commit-ments to the contract on international arms con-trol by undertaking arms control visits,participating in defence planning informationexchange and receiving arms control expertsfrom other countries.

In the previous year, within the framework ofthe Organization for Security and Cooperationin Europe (OSCE) “Vienna Document 2011”,Latvian arms control experts paid arms control

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visits to Kazakhstan, Belorussia and Armenia.In accordance with the Open Skies Agreement,representatives from Latvia and German ArmsControl Centre performed a surveillance flight over Russia and Belorussia.

In 2015 Latvia hosted one Russia’s arms controlinspection as well as one joint Russian-Beloruss-ian Open Skies Agreement surveillance flight.

In accordance with the agreement betweenLatvia and Belorussia on additional trust and security measures, Latvian and Belorussian armscontrol experts’ meeting took place in February,2015, in Minsk, during which both sides exchanged with the information about the armscontrol measures taken in 2014 and submittedproposals for further cooperation. Within theframework of the above-mentioned agreement,Latvia paid another assessment visit in one unitof the Belorussian Armed Forces and receivedone Belorussian assessment visit in Latvia.

Participation in international operations

In 2015 Latvia participated in four internationaloperations with 64 military personnel – NATOmilitary training mission RS in Afghanistan, EUtraining mission MALI (EUTM Mali) and EUcounterpiracy operation “Atalanta” near thecoasts of Somalia, as well as took part in a newEU naval operation in the Mediterranean.

In the previous year the greatest Latvia’s contri-bution number-wise was the NATO-led trainingmission RS in Afghanistan, in which the NAFparticipated with 45 troops. On 31st December,

2014, the international peace-keeping operationInternational Security Assistance Force (ISAF)was concluded. As a result, Afghan securityforces took over full responsibility over the con-trol of security situation. On January 1, 2015, theNATO training mission RS was launched, in theframework of which, NATO forces do not con-duct military operations in Afghanistan. In 2015the majority of Latvian contingent was stationedin Mazar-e-Sharif, a town in the Northern regionof Afghanistan, individual troops performed theirduties also in the operational headquarters in thecapital city Kabul. Latvian contingent held posi-tions of advisors and headquarters’ officers andNCOs of various levels.

In 2015 Latvia continued to participate in theEU counterpiracy operation “Atalanta” near thecoasts of Somalia, the mission of which is toprotect humanitarian aid supplies and ensurethe security of navigation routes in the region.Until September 2015 Latvia participated in theoperation with two officers. One NAF soldierserved on the operations staff ship in the area ofoperation near the coasts of Somalia, but the othersoldier was stationed in operational headquartersin Northwood, Great Britain. After September2015 Latvia continued its involvement in the operation with one officer, who performed his duties on the operations staff ship.

In 2015 Latvia continued to participate also inthe EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali),the task of which is to support training and reor-ganization of the Mali Armed Forces in order tofoster the restoration of the country’s territorialintegrity. Latvia continued its contribution with

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seven soldiers who were integrated in NorthernEuropean–Baltic States’ training unit and per-formed their duties in Koulikoro training base.One NAF officer performed the duties of a train-ing team commander, but six NCOs conductedMali army combat support unit’s training.

In 2015 Latvia engaged in a new EU militarynaval operation in the Mediterranean, whichaims at preventing human trafficking and limiting the flow of migrants. Latvia partici-pated in the operation with one staff officer,who served in operational headquarters inRome since June 2015.

Continuing to contribute to the NRF, in the second half of 2015, Latvia provided oneminesweeper (with a crew of 45) for participa-tion in combat duty in STANDING NATO MineCountermeasures Group One (SNMCMG-1).Throughout 2015 Latvia provided an MP pla-toon (37 troops) as a component in VJTF. Theaim of the NRF is to ensure NATO’ immediatereadiness to engage in full-spectrum operations.

Continuing Latvia’s contribution to the EU Battlegroup, Latvia participated in the Nordic EU Battlegroup in the first half of 2015. Latvia wasinvolved in the battle group with a company-sizeunit. Other nations represented in the Nordic EUBattlegroup were Finland, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania and Ireland.

Geospatial information policy

The MoD organizes and coordinates state policyimplementation in the field of geodesy, cartog-

raphy and geospatial information (for militaryand civilian purposes). LGIA is the leading institution in implementing state’s policy in thefields of geodesy, cartography and geospatialinformation that is subordinated to the MoD.

In accordance with its tasks, the MoD cooper-ates with LGIA in order to prepare geospatial information products, and – with the NAF JointHeadquarters (JHQ) Geometeoinformation section to provide the NAF units with militarygeospatial information.

Planning and implementation of militarygeospatial policy

In the field of military geospatial information,as previously, LGIA provides the NAF with thenecessary information. For various NAF pur-poses, special geospatial information productsare made. Work in cooperation with the Mar-itime Administration of Latvia was commencedin 2014 and continued in 2015 to draw a mapthat encompasses the territory of the Baltic Seaand coastal territory of Latvia. It is planned thatthe work will be complete till the end of 2016.

In the field of military meteorology, consider-able amount of information is provided by thestate capital company “Centre for Environment,Geology and Meteorology”, thus providing theNAF with the basic necessary meteorologicalinformation.

In 2015, experts of military geospatial infor-mation continued cooperation with the expertsin the respective field in NATO and EU member

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states. This year specialists of geospatial infor-mation from the MoD, LGIA and NAF activelycooperated with colleagues from the Baltic States, continuing the joint projects, for exam-ple, maintenance and renewal of low altitudechart within the framework of MultinationalGeospatial Co-production Programme (MGCP).

At the end of October 2015, in cooperation withthe US Defence Department National GeospatialReconnaissance Agency, an MGCP plenarygroup meeting and High Resolution ElevationData Exchange Program (TanDEM-X) plenarygroup meeting were held in Riga. Around 70military geospatial information experts from 27 countries – not only from NATO and EUmember states, but also from Japan, SouthKorea, Australia, Israel and the United ArabEmirates – participated in the meetings. It wasthe first time Latvia had organized militarygeospatial information specialists’ meetings ofsuch significance. Participation in such interna-tional projects has given Latvia considerable experience in preparation of geospatial data andan opportunity to master new technologies, aswell as to increase employees’ qualification.

Data gathered during such projects are used inpreparation of maps of Latvia’s territory,overview maps (overview map of the Baltics,Baltic low altitude chart). Using the preparedvector data, it has been possible to plan mili-tary missions and trainings at higher quality.

In 2015 cooperation with the UK Defence Geo-graphic Centre and USA National Geospatial Intelligence Agency was continued. Both insti-

tutions are significant Latvia’s partners in therespective field and provide geospatial infor-mation support also for the needs of interna-tional missions.

In 2015 a technical agreement between the MoDand the Ministry of Defence of Italy about thecooperation in the field of military geospatial information and a technical agreement betweenthe MoD and the Ministry of Defence of Hungary about the cooperation in the field ofmilitary geography and exchange of military geographical information were signed.

As every year, the MoD represented the statein the board of European Union Satellite Centreand NATO Geospatial Information conference.

Civilian geospatial policy planning and implementation

Concerning civilian geospatial information,the main task of the MoD was to prepare thenecessary draft laws and a project for Cabinetof Ministers’ regulations. Three Cabinet ofMinisters’ regulations and eight amendmentsto the Cabinet of Ministers’ regulations wereprepared and passed regarding the field ofgeospatial information. Also an informativereport “On Common Classification System ofNational Geospatial Objects” was prepared.

On June 11 and September 24, 2015, the firsttwo sittings of Geospatial Information Coor-dination Council (formed with the Cabinet ofMinisters’ Regulations No. 788 of December16, 2014) were held and chaired by the MoD

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State Secretary. The primary aim of the councilis to ensure interinstitutional cooperation in theplanning of geospatial information field (including geodesy and cartography) and im-plementation of its policy.

In 2010 Latvia took over European Parliamentand Council Directive 2007/2/ EC that deter-mines the establishment of the Infrastructurefor Spatial Information in the European Com-munity (INSPIRE). According to the law ongeospatial information, the MoD is responsiblefor the introduction of the Directive in Latvia.In 2015 an overview of Latvia’s monitoring indicators about the introduction of INSPIREdirective in 2014 was prepared and submittedto the European Commission. In cooperationwith points of contact of all the involved insti-tutions, the MoD continues to coordinate meas-ures that are connected with the adoption of thedirective and its practical implementation.

The MoD actively cooperates with all min-istries (and their subordinate institutions) thatuse, as well as obtain, process and maintain,core geospatial data.

In The European Earth Observation Programme“Copernicus”, the MoD cooperates with theMinistry of Education and Science. Coordinat-ing activities in the field of geospatial informa-tion, the MoD also cooperates with the academicsector, that is, Riga Technical University (RTU)and Latvia University of Agriculture, as well aswith professional non-governmental organiza-tions (NGOs) – The Latvian Association of Sur-veyors, Latvian Association of Cartographers

and Geodesists, Latvian GIS association andFSDI LATVIA.

Based on the successful experience of year2014, when organizing an event aimed at informing structural units of the MoD (LWM,NAF JHQ, RYGC and SCDMSP) about thepractical application of geospatial informationat work and available resources for LGIA forsatisfying these needs, on July 2015, a seminar“Geospatial Information Day” was held on theNFF patrol boat squadron base in Daugavgriva.The main focus of the seminar was given to thespecialized topographic map for the sea coastalregion with the scale 1:50 000, prepared byLGIA. The event was attended not only by rep-resentatives from the defence sector, but alsoby LGIA cooperation partners – representativesfrom the Maritime Administration of Latvia –who provided data about the sea, as well as rep-resentatives from other institutions, interestedin this brand-new product, for example, StateFire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Ministry ofthe Interior (MI) and Ministry of Environmentand Regional Development (MEPRD).

The development of regulations inthe state defence sector

Two laws were adopted in 2015.

1. “Amendments to the Law on Safety of Pub-lic Entertainment and Festivity Events”adopted on June 18, 2015, stipulate the rightsof the State Police and Municipal Police torequest the NG support for ensuring publicorder and security while performing the

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function of maintaining order in a publicevent organized by the state or municipality.

2. “Amendments to the Military Service Law”adopted on December 3, 2015, stipulate thathigher efficiency of recruitment and selectionsystem shall be ensured and that fragmenta-tion of closely connected tasks and resourcesbetween two institutions shall be prevented.All activities connected with organization ofrecruitment and selection process shall be theresponsibility of one institution - the NAFTraining and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).The law came into force on January 1, 2016.

In 2015 three laws came into force for whichthe MoD had either submitted recommen-dations in the Saeima or the MoD subordi-nate institutions had been involved in theirpreparation.

1. “Amendments to the Maritime Administra-tion and Marine Safety Law” of April 30,2015, specify that, in compliance with theprocedure stipulated by the regulations,Coast Guard shall check whether a seamanon a ship in Latvia’s waters has used alcoholor narcotic, psychotropic or toxic substances.The law came into force on June 3, 2015.

2. “Amendments to the Law on Remunerationof Officials and Employees of State andLocal Government Authorities” of Novem-ber 30, 2015, stipulate that details for thecalculation of military personnel’s holidaycompensation shall be specified. The lawcame into force on January 1, 2016.

3. “Amendments to the Road Traffic Law” ofDecember 10, 2015, stipulate that a regula-tion with regard to military-technical meansshall be introduced. The law came intoforce on January 1, 2016.

In 2015, 31 Cabinet of Ministers’ Regula-tions were adopted, the most significant ofthem are the following:

1. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 109of March 3, 2015 “Amendments to the Cab-inet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 1042“Regulations on soldiers’ social guaran-tees”” specifies that before approval ofcompensation, a special board has to estab-lish a causal connection between the dam-age done to a soldier’s or his familymember’s property as a result of anotherperson’s actions or the harm done to the sol-dier’s and his family members’ health as aresult of performing soldier’s duty;

2. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No.214 of May 12, 2015 “Amendments to theCabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 509 ofAugust 26, 2014 “Regulation on the volumeand procedure of determining a soldier’smonthly salary and bonuses”” specifies additional motivational measures at allstages of implementation of the NAFhuman resources policy: personnel recruit-ment and preparation for service, in profes-sional upgrade and growth, as well as inretaining soldiers in service. Concurrently,the attachment of monthly rate dynamics toevery service rank and every army year of

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service category is being implemented;3. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No.

268 of June 2, 2015 “Amendments to theCabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 509 ofAugust 26, 2014 “Regulations on the volumeand procedure of determining a soldier’smonthly salary and bonuses”” stipulates thata more flexible range of determining a coef-ficient for participation in international operations has to be determined.

4. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 349 of June 30, 2015 “Amendments tothe Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 590of August 23, 2013 “Regulations on thehealth care services covered by the MoDfor retired military personnel, as well asthe volume of expenses and payment pro-cedure” provides that the list of soldiers,who have the right to healthcare coverage,shall be extended;

5. The Cabinet of Ministers’ RegulationNo. 413 of July 28, 2015 “On Cabinet ofMinisters’ Regulation No. 1329 of November17, 2009 “On declaring the memorandumof understanding on cooperation in the fieldof defence between the Republic of LatviaMinistry of Defence and Republic ofHungary Ministry of Defence” to be void”stipulates that The Cabinet of Ministers’Regulation No 1329 shall be declared void;

6. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No. 604 of October 27, 2015 “On the fifthaddendum to the IV memorandum of under-standing about NAVSTAR global position-

ing system among the Minister of Defenceof the Kingdom of Belgium, Department ofNational Defence of Canada, Ministry ofDefence of Denmark, Minister of Defenceof the Republic of France, The FederalMinistry of Defence of the Federal Republicof Germany, Ministry of Defence of theRepublic of Greece, Icelandic Ministry ofForeign Affairs, Minister of Defence of theRepublic of Italy, Ministry of Defence ofthe Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, Ministerof Defence of the Kingdom of the Nether-lands, Ministry of Defence of the Kingdomof Norway, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Portugal, Minister of Defenceof The Kingdom of Spain, National Defence Ministry of Turkey, the Secretaryof State for Defence of the United King-dom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic,Minister of Defence of the Republic ofHungary, Minister of National Defence ofthe Republic of Poland, Minister of De-fence of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ministerof Defence of the Republic of Estonia,Ministry of Defence of the Republic ofLatvia, Ministry of National Defence of theRepublic of Lithuania, the Ministry of National Defence of Romania, The Ministryof Defence of the Republic of Slovakia,Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovakia, Minister of Defence of the Re-public of Albania, Minister of Defence ofthe Republic of Croatia and the UnitedStates Department of Defense” stipulatesthe extension of the validity of the multilat-eral memorandum of understanding about

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NAVSTAR global positioning system;7. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No.

754 of December 22, 2015 “Amendments tothe Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulation No.1419 of December 15, 2009 “Statute of theRecruitment and Youth Guard Centre” spec-ifies the renaming of RYGC, hereafter YouthGuard and Information Centre (YGIC).

In 2015 one Decision of the Saeima was adopted.

The Saeima’s Decision of December 3, 2015,“On the extension of validity for the partici-pation of the Latvian National Armed Forcesmilitary personnel in the North Atlantic TreatyOrganization-led operation in Afghanistan”stipulates the extension of validity for the par-ticipation of the Latvian National ArmedForces military personnel in the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan.

In 2015, 29 Cabinet of Ministers’ Orderswere made, the most significant of them:

1. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 120 ofMarch 11, 2015 “On the Joint Military Exercise of the Latvian National ArmedForces Units and Foreign Armed Forces Unitsin the territory of the Republic of Latvia” pro-vides for the participation of the NAF in themilitary exercise “Summer Shield 2015”;

2. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 274 ofMay 27, 2015 “On the Joint Military Exer-cise of the Latvian National Armed ForcesUnits and Foreign Armed Forces Units in

the territory of Latvia” provides for the participation of the NAF in the military exercise “Saber Strike 2015”;

3. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 354 ofJuly 1, 2015 “On the Joint Military Exerciseof the Latvian National Armed Forces Unitsand Foreign Armed Forces Units abroad”provides for the participation of the NAF inthe military exercises “Agile Spirit 2015”,“Saber Guardian/ Rapid Trident 2015”;

4. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 474 ofSeptember 2, 2015 “On the Joint Military Exercise of the Latvian National ArmedForces Units and Foreign Armed Forces Unitsin the territory of the Republic of Latvia” provides for the participation of the NAF inthe military exercise “Silver Arrow 2015”;

5. The Cabinet of Ministers’ Order No. 671 ofOctober 27, 2015 “On the Joint Military Exercise of the Latvian National ArmedForces Units and Foreign Armed ForcesUnits in the territory of Latvia” provides forthe military exercise “Arrcade Fusion 2015”;

Logistics Policy

In 2015 the planned defence budget increaseplayed a significant role in the work of the MoDand NAF in the field of logistics. Such increaserequired a detailed planning of financial resources for the following three years in accor-dance with the needs set in the NAF Develop-ment Plan. Concurrently, the MoD emphasizedthe necessity of promoting entrepreneurship in

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the defence sector. In 2015, the implementationof the major defence capability developmentprojects was continued (Air Command andControl System Extension Software Based Element (ASBE), NAF Aviation base, NAF LFInfBde Mechanization Project and the devel-opment of air defence system).

Supply of the National Armed Forces

ArmsIn 2015 work on strengthening the NAF andNG capabilities was continued, planning thearms (weapons, ammunition, and opticalmeans) procurement needs for the next threeyears. Ammunition supplies of “Carl Gustav”were received, using EAA project, in whichthis ammunition was purchased in a commonprocurement by the Baltic States, as well ascountries from the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary).Also the M-14 rifles and G3 assault rifles weremodernized and 12.7mm machine guns werepurchased. In addition, the NAF provide support for the National Border Guard (NBG),working on arming the NBG with armour thatcomplies with NATO standards.

Regarding arms acquisition, the MoD and NAFintensively cooperate with international part-ners – the USA and other member states ofNATO and the EU. In 2015 through financial aidprogramme Foreign Military Financing (FMF),equipment worth 4.7 million US dollars wassupplied, for instance, tents, webbing vests,communication centre equipment and means ofcommunication. Close cooperation with the

USA regarding upgrading the equipment isplanned also in the future. Several equipmentsupplies, significant for the development of theNAF capabilities are expected in 2016, and theMoD submitted projects also for the next years.Regarding logistics, international cooperation issought for with other NATO countries with theaim to purchase used military equipment.

On October 22, 2015, the Minister of Defencesigned a contract with a Swedish company“SAAB Dynamics AB” on the acquisition ofclose impact air defence missiles Mk2 for thesystem RBS-70.

TransportationTo improve the development of the NAF repairbases, regional repair centres were established. In order to enhance centralized repair services andprocurements of spare parts, as well as to increasethe NAF repair capability in 2015, work wasstarted on the establishment of Transport RepairLogistics Centre. The 2nd NG Region 35th Logistics Battalion repair shop is being developedas one of the regional repair centres. In 2015 thebuilding of the repair shop was put into operationand it is planned to be fully equipped in 2016.

In order to reduce maintenance and repair costsin the long term, as well as to reduce the varietyof vehicle makes, work on planning a detaileddevelopment of the NAF motor pool waslaunched, stating that common vehicle stan-dards should be drawn up.

In 2015 two-year contracts were signed with“BAES Haaglunds Land Systems (worth more

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than 3 million EUR) for purchasing spare partsfor the all-terrain tracked carrier “HagglundsBV 206” and with LLC “Auto Kada” for pro-viding repair services worth 400 000 EUR.Within the framework of the contracts, it isplanned to repair 75 BV206 vehicles, thus increasing the NAF combat readiness capability.

EquipmentIn 2015 Combat Individual Protection Systems(CIPS) worth approximately 4 million EURwere purchased for the NAF regular forces’ andNG needs. This purchase included combat uni-form fabric, as well as uniform sewing services,gloves, hats, boots for both warm and coldweather, combat webbing vests, survival kits,camouflage objects and others.

MedicineIn 2015 significant amendments in externallegislative acts1 were made to organize theNAF medical supply. Work is being continuedon developing an interinstitutional agreementproject between the NAF and National HealthService on cooperation in providing medicine,medical appliances and health care servicescovered by the state.

Based on the cooperation agreement signedbetween theMoD and Riga Stradins University(RSU) in 2015, a consultative collegial institu-tion was formed – Council of Military Scienceand Studies – with the aim to foster cooperationin scientific research and education, including

training medical personnel. The institution isoperational.

In 2015 a letter of intent was signed amongLatvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Swedenin which parties express the intent to enhanceand extend cooperation in the field of militarymedicine.

Promotion of business environment in thedefence sector

In 2015 cooperation with “FSDI Latvia” wassuccessfully continued. The agreement on thecooperation was signed on August 28, 2013. In2015 regular meetings and discussions on topi-cal issues took place in federation’s consultativecouncil sittings, where members of federationand state institutions (MoD, MI, Ministry ofEconomy and MFA) connected with the fieldwere represented. The MoD organized inform-ative events and meetings with “FSDI Latvia”,involving also other Baltic States’ representa-tives of respective industries, as well asEU/NATO organizations linked to this field.

On January 8, 2015, the MoD organized a meet-ing of the EDA and Baltic Defence Industry Association in the MoD to inform the EDAabout the Baltic States’ defence industries’experience in participating in defence supplychains, as well as to discuss the possibilitiesand instruments that would foster the develop-ment of industries in the EU defence market.

On June29, 2015, a seminar in cooperationwith the EDA was held in Riga about the use

1 Including amendment to the Medical TreatmentLaw that stipulates the rights of the NAF medicaltreatment centres to establish temporary aid sta-tions, as well as a number of amendments in TheCabinet of Ministers’ regulations.

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of EU structural funds and other EU financialinstruments for technological projects and research of double (civil-military) use. Themain audience of the seminar were entrepre-neurs from all three Baltic States.

At the end of the year 2015, the work onpreparing the year 2016 cooperation plan between the MoD and “FSDI Latvia” (ratifiedin January 2016) started. The MoD and “FSDILatvia” also started preparation for a mutuallyorganized “Industry Day 2016”. “Industry day2016”, which was held on February 24.

Infrastructure

In 2015, 13.7 million EUR were allocated forthe development of military infrastructure. Incompliance with the decisions taken duringNATO summit regarding performing HNSfunctions, the extension of military trainingareas in Adazi and Lacusils was begun. Adazitraining area will be increased by 5200ha,whereas Lacusils training area by 3300ha.Within the framework of NATO and EU ERIfunding, a new training site and shootingranges for various weapon types will be setup, as well as the modernization of the motorpool will take place. In 2015 temporary prem-ises for stationing NFIU were provided.

To improve living conditions for the militarypersonnel on Adazi military camp, the bar-rack construction programme was continued.On the NAF Aviation base, a parade groundwas built and the roads on the base were improved. In addition, in several places in

Latvia, military logistics infrastructure wasimproved. To develop the NG infrastructureand functions, 2nd NG Region 35th Logisticsbattalion base reconstruction started – a trans-port repair shop was built and the reconstruc-tions of antenna field and a technical buildingwere completed.

In 2016 it is planned to continue 22 millionEUR worth infrastructure improvement workson Adazi military camp, in 1st NG Region45th Logistics battalion territory in Kuldiga andin the territory of Infantry School in Aluksne, aswell as on the NAF Aviation base and otherNG units. In addition, it is planned that in2016-2017, within the framework of ERIfunding, 8.5million EUR will be invested indeveloping infrastructure in Adazi trainingarea and the NAF Aviation base.

Defence capabilities’ development projects

Project of Air Command and Control SystemExtension Software Based Elements (ASBE)In 2015 work on the project Air Command andControl System Extension Software Based Element continued. This is the second NATOco-financed project in Latvia within the frame-work of NSIP. NATO funding comprises 75%of total costs. In cooperation with NATO Com-munications and Information Agency (NCIA),Latvia is participating in the project along withnine other NATO member states.

The project envisages optimizing premises onthe NAF Aviation base and installing commu-nications appliances and software there. It

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would establish a unified air space surveil-lance system and provide support for air operations in the NATO member states.

In 2016, within the framework of the project,it is planned to initiate the acquisition of voicecommunications appliances and supportequipment and continue work on the softwareacquisition in cooperation with NATO.

The development of the NAF Aviation baseIn 2015 the development of the NAF Aviationbase continued. With the completion of aviationfuel storage facility, the implementation of allthe 12 NATO co-funded airfield projects wassuccessfully completed. Thus, Latvia has com-pleted the realization of 30.7 million EURfunding, allocated by NATO.

Concurrently, the measures required to ensurethe operation of the military airfield “Lielvarde”and the NAF Aviation base were taken –equipping the airfield with communications,aero navigation and meteorological appli-ances was commenced. Furthermore, it wasmade possible to host and accommodate allied soldiers; the reconstructed canteenwas opened. Procurement, carried out in2015, will ensure new supplies of Airfieldsupport technology.

Further base development was also activelyplanned, coordinating the necessary infrastruc-ture for national needs with the projects financed by NATO and USA ERI. Support forthe USA project preparation was provided;thus, already in 2016 the construction of the

first four infrastructure objects will begin andthe NAF Aviation base will gain premises forboth storing equipment and maintenance.

NAF LF InfBde mechanization projectIn 2015 the implementation of the first stage ofthe NAF LF InfBde mechanization project wascontinued in compliance with the contractsigned with the Ministry of Defence of theUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and NorthernIreland about the purchase of CVR(T)s and theproject implementation plan. The total value ofthe contract is 39.4 million (GBP).

In the time period from August 2014 till June2015, the first NAF personnel training coursewas completed. The course provided user-levelknowledge about the armoured vehicles, so thatpersonnel selection for the mechanized unitcould be started and the personnel would beready to use and maintain the vehicles. In thefuture the training will be conducted in NAFunits – in Latvia.

In January 2015 the list of personnel for themechanized battalion was ratified. In Februarythe work on the communications installation design for armoured vehicles was commenced,and in October 2015 the preparation of infra-structure construction preliminary plan wascompleted and the work on design and imple-mentation of the project is in progress.

The first armoured vehicles, meant for technics’and mechanics’ training, were received in Sep-tember 2015, and on November 18 the vehicleswere already involved in the parade honouring

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the 97th anniversary of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. According to the plan, thefirst armoured vehicles for combat units will bereceived in 2016.

The development of air defence Within the framework of the air space surveil-lance radar project, an air space surveillanceradar station was open in Ventspils in 2015.Radars AN/TPS-77 will improve air space surveillance, increasing the early warning capability, as well as allowing controlling andmonitoring of the air space of Latvia andNATO more effectively. Consequently, safetyof aircraft flights will be improved, and it willenable more successful search and rescue activities. Three-dimensional air space surveil-lance radars were supplied by the US entrepre-neur “Ļockheed Martin Overseas Corporation”(LMOC). Several contracts were signed on theintelligence, air space surveillance and air defence systems, including:

• Contract of July 9, 2015, with LMOC onmodernization of the radar AN/TPS 77;

• Contract of October 1, 2015, with LMOCon the acquisition of three mobile medium-range air space surveillance radars. One ofthe benefits in introducing TPS-77 MRR isthat LMOC will cooperate with Latvianentrepreneurs, providing local support inlong-term maintenance of radars and thesupport of new systems after the delivery.

Within the framework of the project develop-ment, in June 2016 tactical air defence radarsAN/MPQ-64F1 “Sentinel” that are used in short-range air defence systems were received. The acquisition was made in compliance with the US

legislation on foreign military procurements, provided by the US foreign military funding.

Coordination of scientific research activity

The development of science, research andtechnology in the defence sector is organizedin a way that, with the help of modern tech-nologies, innovative solutions, scientific ap-proach and solutions based on research, thestate’s defence capabilities would be ensuredand the functional effectiveness and quality ofthe defence sector would be raised. In 2015the MoD introduced a new managementmodel for coordinating research activity in thestate security and defence sector, so that theresearch process was subjected to achievingsuch final result that arises from the needs ofthe MoD and its subordinate institutions. Inaccordance with the modern security environ-ment challenges and the development needsof the defence sector, new long-term prioritiesand directions of the defence sector were formulated in the fields of science, researchand technology. Concurrently, respective details were clarified in the previously estab-lished research policy planning principles,procedure of priority formulation and researchproject management procedures.

The necessary research in the field of state defence and security policy, in accordance withthe priority research directions set by the MoD,is being implemented by the Centre for Secu-rity and Strategic Research (CSSR) of National Defence Academy of Latvia. Implementing the

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research programme in 2015, CSSR studied thedevelopment trends and challenges of Latvia’sand international security environment in moredetail, as well as their impact on Latvia’s defence sector, Latvia’s informative space andstrategic communication, strengthening of thedefence sector and defence industry cooperationand attraction of the necessary human resourcesfor completing state defence tasks. In order tofoster public understanding and interest in cur-rent issues on the whole and in the academic environment, the CSSR organized two publicdiscussions about the SDC and the impact of thenew Russian military doctrine on Latvia. In addition to organizing lectures given by localand guest speakers in Latvia and participationof experts in scientific events abroad, the CSSRorganized an international conference “SecurityChallenges for Insecure Europe”.

In 2015 cooperation with higher civilian edu-cation establishments and scientific institu-tions was extended, providing prerequisitesfor involving more Latvian scientists in research in the field of state defence and security. Especially successful cooperationhas been developed with RTU, which estab-lished Defence and Military Technology Research Centre in 2015, and with RSU,which is the MoD’s partner in the mutually -established Council of Military Science andStudies. During the past year the previous cooperation of civilian higher education estab-lishments, joining their scientific and technicalresources for interdisciplinary research, hasgrown, and it is also extended to the field ofmilitary science and technology development,

thus providing prerequisites for raising thelevel of cooperation effectiveness between thedefence sector and civilian higher educationestablishments to a national level, as well asenhancing international competitiveness.

International cooperation is organized at the levelsof the Baltic region, EU and NATO. In order tostrengthen the cooperation and foster informationexchange among the Baltic States, researchers ofthe defence sector and defence industries, a sem-inar for experts from the Baltic States’ defence industries, research and technological group washeld. At the level of the EU, the high evaluationof two Latvian scientists’ projects is consideredas a notable achievement. In the contest of dualuse technology projects, organized by EDA,funding from structural funds was granted to theproject of RTU Aeronautics Institute for an inte-grated control model of automated and au-tonomous platforms and systems (in space, in air,at sea) and to LLC “BITI” project on the use ofsimulation for imitating complex informationtechnologies and control systems of industrialprocesses in solving cybersecurity issues. By engaging in NATO Science and Technology Organization (NATO STO) work, scientists fromLatvia participated in four international researchprojects on mobile control of robotized and autonomous platforms, on enhancing privatelypublic partnership in the field of defence andtroops’ ability to perform, as well as studyingmodern hybrid warfare in two expert groups.

NATO StratCom COE was also engaged in research work in 2015. In a year’s time NATOStratCom COE carried out research on the

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national priorities put forward by Latvia – toanalyse the activities implemented by Russiaand its propaganda methodology that is directedagainst NATO member states, as well as theinfluence of social media when it is used as aweapon of hybrid warfare. Concurrently, thedevelopment of the NAF capabilities and theirstrengthening regarding strategic communica-tion is in progress.

Military education and language acquisition

On September 24, 2015 the Cabinet of Minis-ters ratified the new NDA Satversme, and thiscompleted the work started in 2013, reviewingwhether the regulations, regarding the field ofeducation, reflect the military specifics of theacademy and how accurately they do it.

In 2015, 23 NDA graduates received the firstofficer’s – second lieutenant’s – rank, whereasthe rank of first lieutenant was awarded to 13students of Officer-Specialist Basic MilitaryTraining Course.

Seven NAF soldiers and two SBG representa-tives graduated from the Junior Staff OfficerCourse in the NDA. 15 officers studied on thecourse of this level abroad: six in Lithuania,seven in the US International Military Educationand Training (IMET) programme, but two inBelgium. Eight officers graduated from theSenior Staff Officer Course in BALTDEFCOL,but two officers – from the US IMET pro-gramme. One officer graduated from the HigherCommand level course.

From January to June an international NICSCcourse was organized in the NDA, whereas inSeptember the NDA hosted high-level NATOexercises – “Steadfast Pyramid” and “Stead-fast Pinnacle”.

As the command of NATO’s official languageis a prerequisite for any officer’s career, and itis also essential for NCOs and privates, in addition to the language training implementedby the NAF Language School, a project,launched in 2012 in cooperation with the Defence Attaché of France, was continuedalso in 2015. Within the framework of thisproject, a language instructor from Franceprovides French lessons for both NAF militarypersonnel and MoD employees.

Systems for improving institution’sadministration and performance

Internal audit

In the reporting year, the Audit section dealtwith four core activity systems and seven con-trol and support function systems for the defence sector. The core systems/ subsystemsaudits comprise 36% from the total number ofthe systems to be audited, whereas 64% of thesystems to be audited are control and supportfunction systems.

During the audits it was concluded that the internal control system works; however, sev-eral improvements are required Nevertheless,overall evaluation of the controls is that theyare appropriate, sufficient and effective, which

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indicates that the risks of the sector are man-aged and the aims are reached. After providingan assessment on the MoD audit of the year2015 report, the Council of Internal Audit con-cluded that the internal audit system in the min-istry has been established and works well.

In the reporting year, 66 audit suggestions weremade to improve the internal control system.On December 31, 2015, after summarizingpost-audit results, there were 123 audit sugges-tions about 23 audits on the database. Out of 60audit suggestions, which had year 2015 as thedeadline for their implementation, 56 (93.3%)audit suggestions have been completed andfour audit suggestions have not been imple-mented. For 63 audit suggestions the deadlinefor implementation is the year 2016 and thefollowing years.

In 2015 the MoD participated in the prepara-tion of the corruption index for the defencesector in Latvia that was carried out by “Trans-parency International UK”. The above men-tioned study concluded that the corruption riskin the defence sector in Latvia is low. The MoDalso participated in a bilateral experience exchange with the Georgian and Ukrainian defence sector auditors.

The Office of Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of theMoD carried out 15 inspections, one investiga-tion, ensured work of two commissions to reviewdisciplinary cases, by preparing assessments on elimination of the detected flaws.

The OIG reviewed 16 applications by soldiersand natural persons, preparing assessments andMoD responses to the submitters. In addition,soldiers were consulted on the matters con-nected with the course of their service and observation of rights.

During the assessment of soldiers’ serviceconditions, relationships with one another andbreach of military discipline, the MoD con-ducted an opinion poll of military personnelin random units, as well as after the deploy-ment of troops to international operations. The obtained information was used to prepare sug-gestions for solving the identified problems.

In the autumn of 2015, the OIG organized avisit of the US Army for Europe General Inspection in Latvia to inspect the US troopsstationed in Latvia and to hold bilateral consul-tations. In November the OIG organized an experience exchange visit of the OIG of theGeorgia Ministry of Defence in Latvia.

Structural changes and reorganizations

No radical changes in the MoD structure weremade in 2015. By joining previously three independent sections – Administrative section,Recordkeeping section and the Central archive,the Administrative and Document Managementdepartment was established.

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2.3. The main activities and results of the Ministry of Defencesubordinate institutions (includ-ing the National Armed Forces)

The Latvian War Museum

In 2015 the Latvian War Museum (LWM)worked in accordance with the prepared and submitted work plan – developed and documented the museum’s holdings, carriedout research and educational work, arrangedexhibitions and maintained museum exposi-tions that were available for the public. Themuseum’s resultative indicators are affectedby its interaction with the public as it corre-sponds to the essence of the operation of apublic institution.

Availability of the museum and educational activities

The LWM is open for visitors seven days aweek. In total 160 452 visitors used the servicesprovided by the museum in 2015, including theservices rendered by the Christmas Battles Museum (15 648 visitors); Oskars KalpaksMuseum and Memorial Site “Airites” (5173visitors). In comparison with 2014, the totalnumber of visitors has risen by 13.2%, thenumber of visitors in the group – by 3% andthe number of individual visits by 10.7%.

In 2015 the museum staff arranged 620 excur-sions and provided 796 consultations aboutmilitary history, museum exhibits and person-alia to researchers, authors of culture-related

projects and interested parties. On public request, the museum’s specialists gave 44 lec-tures for different audiences. Premises of themuseum and its structural units were used asvenues for 23 public events.

The most notable event was the 100th anniver-sary of Latvian Riflemen which involvedopening of a memorial plaque created by G. Pantelejevs and a concert performance in Vermanes Park on August 1, 2015. Duringthe “Museum Night” on May 16, 2015,LWM was visited by 15 872 visitors, TheChristmas Battles Museum – by 1248 visi-tors and O. Kalpaks Museum and MemorialSite “Airites” - by 82 visitors. Internationalpanels’ model exhibition-contest on August14-16, 2015 gathered 6200 people. Tradition-ally, the First World War Christmas Battlememorial event was held in “Mangali”, andColonel O. Kalpaks’ memorial event was organized in “Airites”.

In collaboration with other institutions, the mu-seum supported and organized 41 event, as wellas three foreign travelling exhibitions’ exposi-tions and opening.

The museum cooperated with paramilitarynon-governmental organizations, Associationof Latvian History Teachers and the Associationof School Museums.

During the reporting year, information aboutthe LWM was prepared for publishing in thetour guide “European WWII Museum GuideBook”.

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Research work

The LWM is one of the leading institutions in Latvian military history research. The museum’s research work is developing in two directions – military history research and thescientific study of the holdings. In 2015 twomuseum’s employees proceeded with studiesin Doctoral Programme at the Faculty of History and Philosophy, the University ofLatvia, and one – in Doctoral Programme at the Faculty of Humanitarian Sciences, The Uni-versity of Daugavpils.

In 2015 the work of the museum focused espe-cially on the history of the First World War inaccordance with the NPI, developed by theLWM, “The Centennial of the First World Warand Latvian Riflemen 2014- 2017”.

On May 28, 2015, the museum held an inter-national conference devoted to the FirstWorld War. Four employees of the museumparticipated in the conference with their reports, and they were later published in themuseum’s annual collection of articles “Year-book of Latvian War Museum XVI”. Theyearbook also contains five studies by theemployees about the collections of museum’sholdings and history of weapons. Within theframework of the project, the catalogue “Thepostcards of the First World War in the Latvian War Museum holdings” was pub-lished, as well as a brochure “Latvian RiflemanCreates, Exercises, Sings and Plays Drama”in Latvian and in English.

The employees of the museum participated inlocal and international conferences with 18 reports, and 18 studies were published in localscientific publications.

Exposition and temporary exhibitions

In 2015 the museum started work on setting upthe core exposition “Inhabitants of Latvia duringthe First World Word”. The museum organizeda contest for the artistic sketches of the project,and signed a contract with the design bureauH2E for setting up the exhibition in 2016.

In total the museum prepared seven new exhi-bitions in the reporting year, as well as stagedsix exhibitions prepared by other authors andinstitutions. Four exhibitions were held outsidethe museum premises.

During the reporting year an exploration trailwas established in the territory of the ChristmasBattle Museum that reflects the location of theLatvian Riflemen Regiment during the offen-sive in January 1917.

Museum’s holdings work

In 2015 the LWM holdings obtained 3848 newexhibits – gifts and purchases about Latvia’smilitary history and military political history.The museum is planning holdings enrichmentas an approximate indicator, based on the previous year’s statistics. Its actual implemen-tation is connected with grantors’ will, as wellas with the procurement budget of holdings andvalue of individual exhibits.

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Holdings records and documentation, whichfollow the external regulations, is the mostlabour-consuming process in the work of themuseum. Financial assessment is carried outnot only for the newly-gained items of the museum’s holdings, but also the holdings gath-ered over several decades are being assessedgradually. 13 153 exhibits were assessed (54 963.57 EUR) in the reporting year. The pre-pared documentation was handed over to thebookkeeping department for record-keeping.

Alongside with the accounting for holdings inthe written form, the departments scan and register holdings’ items in a digital form in themain catalogue of National museums’ hold-ings. 3328 items were registered in the cata-logue. 285 items in the holdings were restoredand conserved.

Having gained financial support in the projectcontest of the State Culture Capital Foundation,the museum acquired a stereomicroscope. Thatwill allow the restorers to determine the typeof damage to the item and select a scientificallysubstantiated restoration method.

Museum’s infrastructure

In 2015 the infrastructure of the LWM and itstwo territorial structural units (Christmas Battle Museum and O. Kalpaks Museum andits Memorial Site “Airites”) was managed bysigning a contract for fire safety, tending theterritory, maintenance of communal and com-munications systems, as well as by monitoringthe execution of the work.

In the reporting year, proposals were preparedfor the design task – for modernization of thecommunications, improvement of buildings’technical condition and reconstruction in theLWM buildings at 18 Smilsu street and 20Smilsu street.

Information about the possible factors influencing institution’s operation

Museum’s development projects are connectedwith further public education and enhancementof the public development by saving, studying,exhibiting and popularizing spiritual and material statements linked to Latvia’s militaryand military political history. The museum isactively involved in the programmes of thestate’s centennial.

Recruitment and Youth Guard Centre

Recruitment and Youth Guard Centre (RYGC,due to the redistribution of functions as of January1, 2016 – Youth Guard and Information Centre(YGIC)) educates youth in the field of nationalsecurity by implementing a pilot programme of Youth Guard training, ensures representationof the MoD and NAF current events in audio visual form in various mass media and publishesmonthly military magazine “Tevijas sargs”.

Youth Guard

In the previous time period, the work on the development of the Youth Guard movement andstrengthening its traditions was continued,

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setting the following main aims: the civic andpatriotic upbringing of children and youth,physical development and constructive pastime.

In 2015 Youth Guard Development Plan received the Cabinet of Ministers’ support,envisaging funding for the extension of theYouth Guard movement and improvement ofthe training process.

Implementing the pilot programme of YouthGuard training, youth guards actively partici-pated in the events, organized at the nationaland municipal level: state celebrations andcommemoration days, collective work events,relays, sports competitions and others.

The pilot programme of Youth Guard trainingwas implemented in 286 training sites in 508training groups (including the youth guardgroups financed by the municipality) aroundLatvia. Year 2015 is significant with the factthat Youth Guard operated in all 110 munici-palities and nine cities of national importance.Youth Guard has become one of the public integration platforms since children and youthof various nationalities take part in YouthGuard activities.

At the end of 2015, more than 7175 childrenand youth actively participated in Youth Guardand were involved in the training process.

In a year’s time 1948 events were organized forthe Youth Guard. The total number of peoplewho visited the events is 43 173. Regional sec-tions and the Youth Guard department organized

or coordinated 79 camps with 2953 participants,77 events in cooperation with the NAF – 1459participants; 383 hikes – 7854 participants; 22 international events – 140 participants (Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Belgium); 287presentations in educational establishments –6871 listener, 274 civic and patriotic educationevents – 6513 participants; 193 excursions –5681 participant; 49 cycling and boat trips – 993 participants; 378 sports competitions andgames – 7167 participants; 206 collective workand other events – 3542 participants.

Concurrently, the following NPIs were imple-mented: “Establishing a System for YouthGuard physical preparation”, “RememberLacplesis!”, “The development of the YouthGuard Self-Governance” and “Cyber YouthGuard” and projects “Youth Guard Reporter”,“Experts’ Forum” and others.

Youth Guard self- government fosters youth’scivic involvement skills and offers opportuni-ties for youth guards to get involved in solvingsignificant issues for the movement. Two sem-inars were held in Riga and Sigulda. YouthGuard self- government is active on socialmedia, participates in events on regular basis,meets with youth guards and NCOs, as well ascooperates with related organizations. In coop-eration with Youth Guard Department, YouthGuard Self-government organized the 4thYouth Guard conference “Involvement and Responsibility” on December 4-5, 2015.

At the end of 2015, the Youth Guard standardsand values were adopted. There is a poster with

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the standards and values at every training site,but when giving an oath, every child andyoungster will receive a brochure “YouthGuard Standards and Values” as a gift.

Training sessions were organized also for YouthGuard reporters. Youth Guard reporters weregiven a task to provide information (articles,photographs, and video) about interesting eventsin the regions and units. Reporters had a specialmission and earned good experience in the international camp “Baltic Guards – 2015”andat the 4th Youth Guard conference.

Throughout the year, youth guards had an opportunity to participate in physical prepara-tion classes under the guidance of qualifiedspecialists. To achieve that, RYGC cooperatedwith sports federations, sports schools and municipalities, providing youth guards with thespecific equipment needed for the sports andsupporting youngsters’ participation in compe-titions as much as possible. In order to increasethe level of youngsters’ fitness, a project onyouth guards’ physical fitness norms was carriedout. Moreover, it was introduced in the youthguards’ training process. A lot of effort was devoted to the project “Remember Lacplesis!”.Youth Guard cooperated with municipalities toplan the installation of memorial plaques intheir territories.

In 2015, 345 youth guards completed Level 4.151 of them participated in the Level 4 testcamp; 17 entered NDA; 18 joined the NAF forces and started service in the units, 90 joinedthe NG, and five started service in the MI.

Military information

In 2015 Military Information Department(MID) Audio visual section filming group carried out 201 filming, and consequently prepared 162 video clips on current events thatare topical for the defence sector. Photogra-phers engaged in 600 photo sessions during various events, including Afghanistan, Mali,Spain, Estonia and Lithuania, taking photo-graphs of political events within the MoD andNATO, during NATO and NAF military exer-cises, of NATO forces’ arrival in Latvia, theNAF participation in international operations,development of the NAF combat capabilities,the NG and reserve soldiers’ training, civil military cooperation and support to the public,commemoration and ceremonial events, YouthGuard and school youth activities, as well assports and culture events.

National and regional media were providedwith video and photo materials. The access todownload photographs in full resolution fromMoD web page mod.gov.lv gives an opportu-nity for the news portals to publish photographswithout asking for permission to RYGC.

By maintaining and adding new photographsto the photo material about the events in thedefence sector, the MoD supports its webpagemod.gov.lv, portal sargs.lv and the militarymagazine “Tevijas Sargs”, as well as otherpublications.

In 2015, the staff of MID Audio visual sectionparticipated in the NAF, NG and international

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military training “Sabre Strike 2015”, “DragoonRide”, “Summer Shield XXI”, “Sudraba bulta2015”, “Baltic Bikini 2015”, “Straujais putns2015”, “Ziema 2015”, “Balex Delta 2015”,“Trident Juncture 2015” and others and re-flected training exercises and tasks in photogalleries and video clips that were posted onthe NAF homepage.

MID Military Information section publishesthe military magazine “Tevijas Sargs”, whichis the only publication in Latvian that provides detailed and professional military-related information about the current news in the defence sector in Latvia and in the world, fostering positive public attitude towards thedefence policy.

The magazine informs the public on the workof the MoD and NAF, presenting the MoDpolicy as transparent and fair; informs thepublic about Latvia’s membership in NATO,provides comprehensive information aboutthe state’s policy and legislation in the defencesector; facilitates shaping a positive publicimage of the NAF and Latvian military per-sonnel, informs about the course of soldier’sservice, achievements in sport and social activities, about the contribution of YouthGuard in the defence of the state of Latvia, as well as about possibilities to join this move-ment; aggregates statements for reflectingmilitary history of Latvia, ensures availabilityof the magazine in educational institutions,thus enhancing the interest about the moderndefence system and military history. In theprevious year 12 issues of the magazine

“Tevijas Sargs” were published with the totalcirculation of 63 000.

Since February 2015 the magazine “TevijsSargs” has had a profile on the social networkingsite Facebook, where links to topical articles andvideo materials, prepared by MID Audio visualsection, are published. Facebook ensures con-nection with readers – the portal enables themagazine team to find out the readers’ opinions.In less than a year, 960 Facebook users havechosen to follow “Tevijas Sargs” profile.

Since 2003 Latvia has been a member of European Military Press Association (EMPA).The main editor of the magazine “Tevijas Sargs”was elected president of the EMPA in 2011. In2015 Latvia’s presidency in EMPA concluded.

In the reporting year, printed work plan of thedefence sector for the year 2015 was imple-mented, providing for international military exercises “Sabre Strike 2015”, “DragoonRide”, “Summer Shield XXI”, “Sudraba bulta2015”, “Baltic Bikini 2015”, “Straujais putns2015” and the NG training, youth guard andcadets’ camp “Baltic Guards 2015” and otherevents with published materials and graphic de-signs. Informative posters, leaflets, brochures,as well as books for the needs of the MoD,NAF JHQ, NDA, NFF and Youth Guard weremade. The designs for electronic greetingcards at Easter, Ligo celebration, national celebrations, Christmas and other special occasions were prepared. In total 160 planned,as well as 90 additional graphic design workswere prepared in the previous year.

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Recruitment

In 2015 tasks related to recruitment for theNAF were fulfilled. In total 1177 candidatesapplied for joining the NAF, including 389cadet candidates for studies in the NDA. 423soldiers were accepted for professional service(the demand – 400 soldiers).

In the previous year, the priority of the recruit-ment was participation in events which gavethe possibility to address youth who would liketo obtain higher education in NDA and pursueofficer’s career in the future.

RYGC participated in career days of higher education institutions with presentations, as wellas in events organized by municipalities andeducational establishments with a set of lecturesabout the recruitment and selection process.

In 2015 in cooperation with the NAF a large-scale game of history exploration, adventure andchallenge for the youth “Jaunie Rīga sargi: atce-ries Lāčplēšus!” (“New Guards of Riga: Remem-ber Lacplesis!”) was organized. The game washeld in three stages in eight regional centres –Valmiera, Tukums, Dobele, Jelgava, Gulbene,Riga (Mežaparks), Daugavpils, Sigulda (More),but the finale – in Daugavpils. 1000 youth fromthe whole country participated in the game.

Latvia’s Geospatial Information Agency

Latvia’s Geospatial Information Agency (LGIA)is the leading institution, implementing the

state policy in the fields of geodesy, cartogra-phy and geospatial information. The most significant tasks of the LGIA are to obtain,process and maintain core geodesic and car-tographic data for military and civilian needsand to provide the operation of geospatial coredata information system and permanent globalpositioning base station system “Latvian Positioning system” (LatPos).

In 2015 in the field of geodesy, the workbegan on the installation of new higher classG0 geodesic points and acquisition of geo-desic features in order to ensure the modern-ization of the state geodesic network andimprove its connection with European Earthaccounting system ETRS89, as well as to ensure international connection of the Latviangeodesic system LKS-92 of the year 1992 tothe ellipsoid GRS-80. Within the frameworkof these activities, not far from Vainode, a newG0 point “Vainode” was established, in whichthe first geodesic observations have alreadybeen made for its first time inclusion in thestate geodesic network.

In order to achieve closer inclusion of geomag-netic observations of Latvia’s geodesic networkin international geomagnetism measurementsand to perform continuous geomagnetism monitoring in the territory of Latvia, preliminaryactions for the establishment of the variometerstation have been made. A research “Justificationfor the Necessity to Establish a Variometer Station and Criteria for Selecting the Site in theTerritory of Latvia” was carried out. Due to this,the territory of Latvia was studied and Latgale,

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near Augstais kalns (high hill) not far fromDagda was suggested as a possible site for thevariometer station. Furthermore, the descriptionof technical specification requirements for con-struction of a variometer station was prepared.

The state geodesic network was maintained andimproved – the inspection and organization ofgeodesic points was implemented, measure-ments in the state geodesic network were made,as well as processing and accumulation of thedata in Geodesic network information system.

In 2015 LatPos uninterrupted operation on 25base stations was ensured, thus it is possibleto use global positioning method for geodesicmeasurements in construction, cartography,surveys, agricultural activity and other fields.It saves the time necessary for surveying andreduces work costs. Signal reception of Eu-ropean satellite system’s “Galileo” on basestations “Aluksne and “Irbene” was launchedin a testing regime. The number of users whouse Lat Pos in accurate agriculture has consid-erably grown. The number of LatPos users in2015 has increased by 23% in comparisonwith 2014.

The fifth aero photographing cycle (2013-2015)was completed, thus for the whole territory of Latvia coloured orthophoto maps and or-thophoto maps of infrared (CIR) spectrum wereprepared. They are available for fulfilling stateand municipality functions for free. For the sec-ond year already, the orthophoto maps were prepared in an intensive production cycle, i. e.,the aero photo landscapes that were obtained in

spring or summer were fully processed andpassed on to the first users already in the au-tumn – The Rural Support Service, in order toupdate the field blocks map in the Field register.

In 2015 laser scanning of the territory of Latviawas continued – laser scanning in the central partwas completed and the scanning in the south eastpart of Latvia was launched. The processing ofthe obtained data is in progress and the prepara-tion of the further products – digital relief modelcore data and digital relief layer - in horizontalsfor topographic maps at the scale 1: 10 000 is inprogress. The processed aero laser scanning data,as other LGIA geospatial information core data,are freely accessible on LGIA Map browser onthe web page kartes.lgia.gov.lv.

The preparation of the core geospatial data andupdate for military and civilian purposes wasaccomplished - according to the planning, to-pographic maps with scales 1:10 000, 1: 25 000and 1: 50 000 were prepared. Preparation of the3rd version of Joint Operations Graphic (JOG)with the scale 1:250 000 was also completed.

The preparation of a specialized sea coast topographic map with the scale 1: 50 000 waslaunched. In 2015 11 map sheets along thecoast of Riga Sea Bay were prepared. In thismap, data from LGIA topographic maps andthe Maritime Administration of Latvia sea navigation maps were combined.

In cooperation with Estonian and Lithuanianresponsible institutions, a new version forBaltic States’ Low Altitude Chart was prepared

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that is used in Baltic Air Policing and duringrescue works.

Maintenance and enrichment of the toponymdatabase was ensured which is necessary forLGIA cartographic operation. 3445 placenames were either input or corrected on the database (in total at the end of 2015, there were153 300 toponyms referring to 118 500 sites).Public toponym database is accessible on theweb page vietvardi.lgia.gov.lv.

The practical implementation phase of the European Parliament and the European CouncilDirective of March 14, 2007, “On Infrastructurefor Spatial Information in the European Com-munity (INSPIRE)” is becoming more intensive.Ten ministries and their subordinate institutionsare involved. In 2015, LGIA, which is responsi-ble for implementing INSPIRE Directive, usingdata from topographic maps with the scale of1:50 000, prepared a layer of hydrographic dataabout the whole inland territory of Latvia, aswell as the data and network services, which arerelated to the data themes “Coordinate Referencing Systems”, “Geographical Coordi-nate Network Systems”, “Orthography” and“Toponyms”, referred to in Annexes I and II tothe INSPIRE Directive.

Spreading of geospatial information, preparedand maintained by LGIA, and service renderingwere ensured – 496 requests were registered and196 contracts on data preparation and handingover or subscription were signed, which is by9% more than in 2014. Moreover, web serviceswere provided for the needs of the State Uniform

Geospatial Information Portal, geospatial datacompatibility enabler, System for Territorial Development Planning, Construction Informa-tion System and other state institutions informa-tion systems. The greatest number of geodesicand cartographic services were rendered to com-mercial companies – 58%, state institutions andmunicipalities – 14%, private persons – 10%, aswell as to bookshops and map shops.

The products on the greatest demand are orthophoto maps and topographical maps withthe scale 1:10 000.

The most popular LGIA e-service is still themap browser kartes.lgia.gov.lv that provides anopportunity for many users to familiarize them-selves with the most updated geospatial datasets maintained by LGIA. In 2015, the regis-tered number of map browser views was 208306 or approximately 570 visits.

Extensive information to the public about the op-eration of LGIA was provided on the Internet –current events and basic information about LGIAoperation is available on web page lgia.gov.lv,but information about the products produced byLGIA and rendered services – on the web pagemap.lgia.gov.lv, which received a new designand functionality in 2015, ensuring correspon-dence with the common state governance insti-tutions’ visual identity requirements.

Representatives from LGIA participated in border demarcation work between the Repub-lic of Latvia and Russia, in compliance with the decisions of the joint demarcation

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commission of Latvia and Russia. The fol-lowing tasks were carried out: high precisiontopographic measuring of complicated stateborder sites; the borderline of the states’ bor-der was completed and approved in the jointdemarcation commission and the main mapof border demarcation with the scale 1:10 000for the whole border area was approved bythe joint demarcation commission.

In 2015 LGIA successfully continued participa-tion in the projects and work groups of EuropeanNational Mapping, Cadastre and Land RegistryAuthorities Association “Eurographics” by engaging in geospatial information exchange ata regional (European) and global level, for instance, hydrographic thematic layers about theterritory of Latvia with the scale 1:250 000 wereupdated and supplemented. These data will beincluded in the newest EuroRegionalMap data-base version 9.0.

The LGIA participated in the activities that are connected with point identification and registering of Struve Geodetic Arc, which hasbeen included in the World Heritage List byUnited Nations Educational, Scientific andCultural organization (UNESCO). In 2015 16Struve Geodetic Arc points were searched for.I cooperation with the Latvian National Com-mission for UNESCO, The State Inspectionfor Heritage Protection and municipalities ofJelgava and Jekabpils an international confer-ence “Struve Geodetic Arc – 10 years in UNESCO World Heritage List” was organizedin Jelgava and Jekabpils on September 17 andSeptember 18, 2015.

In popularizing the core data of LGIA geospatialinformation, in Daugavgriva, in the premises ofNFF a geospatial information day event was organized. Around 140 representatives from dif-ferent MoD structural units and institutions, as well as guests from MEPRD, the Maritime Administration of Latvia, SFRS, Council of theBaltic Sea States “Vision and the Strategies around the Baltic Sea” participated in the event.

State Centre for Defence MilitarySites and Procurement

State Centre for Defence Military Sites and Procurement (SCDMSP) is a direct managerialinstitution subordinate to the Minister of Defence, which was established with the Cabi-net of Ministers’ Regulation No. 717 of October21, 2009, “On the liquidation of the StateAgency of Defence Properties and establishmentof the State Centre for Defence Military Sitesand Procurement” as a result of structural reformthat was implemented in the defence sector.

At the end of 2015, the balance sheet ofSCDMSP contained 136 real estate properties,including 143 land units with the total area of~9150ha and 990 buildings with cadastralmeasurements, including service accommoda-tion (service apartments, service hotel and opentype barracks), which housed 159 military per-sonnel in service apartments, whereas servicehotel and open type barracks were used for 31200 man-days. In 2015, SCDMSP continued tomanage and run real estate in compliance withthe needs of the state defence, MoD and NAFstrategic development and operation plans and

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international commitments. Public paid serv-ices were rendered in sports halls and in theswimming pool in Riga, 9 Krustabaznicasstreet, in the premises of service accommoda-tion in Adazi region “Kadaga 12”and “Kadaga13”, in Cesis, 7a Caunas street, in Valmiera, 54Cesis street and in service hotel in Riga, 9 Krustabaznicas street.

In 2015 SCDMSP ensured the full cycle of con-struction process organization and project man-agement in the state defence sites in the wholeterritory of Latvia, for instance, inspection ofbuildings and constructions, working out designtasks, monitoring of design works, constructionsupervision, accepting the constructions in oper-ation and consulting during the warranty period.

14 million EUR were spent on acquiring realestate, renovation and reconstruction of realestate properties and construction work (undercontracts) in 2015.

The most significant construction projects,concluded in 2015, are the following:

• on the NAF Aviation base – storage foraviation fuel, parade ground for militarytransportation, water access site (bore-hole),renovation of barracks for allied forces;

• on the NAF Adazi military base – storage,including ammunition storage, complex,construction of second barracks was begun.

On other sites of the MoD and the NAF thefollowing projects were implemented:

• auto repair hangar in the 2nd NG Region35th Logistics battalion;

• a building in Air Space SurveillanceSquadron Radio technical post No. 3 in theNAF installation “Audrini” in Rezekne region;

• renovation of buildings and storages on theNAF training base in “Strautini” in Aluksneregion;

• renovation of transportation park in the 2ndNG Region 34th Artillery battalion;

• reconstruction of the heating system inVirsnieku saieta nams (officers’ club) inLiepaja;

• renovation of the MoD building’s facade inElizabetes street in Riga;

• reconstruction of a building in 11b Kaln-ciema street in Riga for the needs of NATOStratCom COE.

In several NAF installations improvement ofsecurity systems was performed, as well as theantenna mast construction project was conclu-ded in the NAF installation on site “Riti” inOlaine region.

The demolition program for buildings and con-structions that are under the MoD managementaround Latvia and that degrade the environ-ment was continued.

In 2015 SCDMSP carried out the environ-ment protection measures in state defencemilitary sites, including, study and monitor-ing of pollution, study and conservation ofnatural values, recultivation of an illegallandfill. In addition, two potentially pollutedsites that are on the Register of Polluted and Potentially Polluted Sites of the “Latvian

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Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre”were studied. As a result of the study, the status of the two sites on the register of Pollutedsites was changed to a non-polluted site. Inorder to implement a sustainable developmentof Adazi training area, an inspection on hydro-logical condition of Rapurva Ditch and theRiver Puska was carried out, and recommenda-tions were given. In the forests of the MoDgovernance maintenance fellings were per-formed (including, young growths). Dangeroustrees in the greenery territories were also felled.

SCDMSP continued to implement EU LIFE+programme project “Improving the Conserva-tion Status of Specially Protected Bird Speciesin Natura 2000 Site “Adazi”. In order to ensuresustainable management of the territory, a nature conservation plan was developed in2015 which was coordinated with the interestedinstitutions. An international conference wasorganized in May that was devoted to the man-agement of biotopes that are dependent on disturbances in military territories. More than60 participants form 14 countries took part inthe conference. In order to introduce the publicwith the natural values found in Adazi trainingarea, in May the annual “Environment Day”was held in Adazi training ground. The day wasdevoted to the European Roller (Coracias gar-rulous). During the event, the participantscould find out more about this protected birdspecies that can be found in Adazi trainingground but is so rare in the world. One of theactivities, carried out within the framework ofthe project, was the controlled burning ofmoorland. In 2015 preparation of two films

was begun: an educational film for the troopsabout the compliance with the environmentconservation requirements and a film aboutnatural values found in Adazi training area.

In accordance with the statute, SCDMSP performs centralized procurement proceduresfor the needs of the MoD and its subordinateinstitutions. Out of 247 procurement proce-dures performed by SCDMSP in 2015, 122 procurement procedures were made for theneeds of other customers (including, procure-ment procedure in the field of construction) inaccordance with the Law on Public Procure-ment and the Law on Procurements in theField of Defence and Security. 23 of the pro-curement procedures are continued in 2016.

SCDMSP fulfils certain functions of NAF logistics – performs centralized procurement,contract administration and standardizationand classification of means of military combatservice support. In 2015 SCDMSP, perform-ing the NAF logistics function, concluded andadministered approximately 86 acquisitioncontracts of material technical means and purchased material technical means worth 6.7 million EUR.

Military Intelligence and Security Service

Military Intelligence and Security Service(MIDD) is a state security institution that con-ducts military counter intelligence, intelligenceand other tasks set in the law on state securityinstitutions and other regulations.

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In 2015 MIDD performed the following tasksstipulated in the law on State Security institu-tions and other regulations:

• provided the MoD, its subordinate institu-tions, and the NAF with the counter intelli-gence and intelligence information necessaryfor their operation;

• completed considerable amount of work todetect and, in cooperation with other insti-tutions, to prevent destructive activities(espionage, sabotage, anti-state activity orter rorism) by foreign special services, aswell as organizations or separate individu-als in MoD, its subordinate institutions orthe NAF;

• took measures to protect state secrets in theMoD, in its subordinate institutions and theNAF and controlled their implementation;

• checked candidates who wished to obtainspecial permits (licences), which are issuedby the MoD for performing specific busi-ness activity that require a licence. MIDDalso assessed granting special permits;

• performed checks of persons and premisesto find out whether they comply with the security requirements. The inspections tookplace in the MoD, its subordinate institu-tions, the NAF, military installations, aswell as in institutions, organizations and enterprises the activity of which is con-nected with the state secret in the field ofmilitary defence;

• in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers’Regulation No.638 “On the division of responsibilities of the institutions of the Republic of Latvia in committees, workgroups and organizations of North AtlanticTreaty Organization, and organizations subordinate to North Atlantic Treaty Organ-ization” ensured participation in NATOagencies, committees and work groups;

• as the national institution of the Republic ofLatvia for signals intelligence, performedand controlled signals intelligence, as well as ensured protection of the obtained information.

Concurrently, MIDD fulfilled also other tasksstipulated in regulations and international agree-ments or given by the Cabinet of Ministers andthe MoD, including effective information exchange with the NATO and EU structures andpartner states, the check of physical safety meas-ures on installations that are in MIDD compe-tence and are important for national security(critical infrastructure) and others.

National Armed Forces

The National Armed Forces (NAF) is a set ofmilitary formations that consists of militaryorganized, trained and armed part of the nation that protects the sovereignty of Latvia,territorial integrity and its inhabitants from aggression.

In compliance with the NAF DevelopmentPlan for 2012-2014, prepared by the MoD,


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NAF Commander’s Order No. 40/DV of December 23, 2014, “On the Implementationof the NAF Guidelines and Tasks for the Year2015”, as well as additional decisions by theMoD, the main aim of the defence system is todevelop the NAF as professionally prepared,able to adapt to various combat and security situations, equipped in accordance with the operational requirements, compatible with theNATO and EU military formations, standard-ized and provided for defence instrument withbalanced tasks and structure.

According to the SDC, the contribution of theNAF in state defence system in 2015 was con-nected with maintaining and improving combatreadiness capability in case of preventing andovercoming possible threat to the state, withcontribution to international operations andproviding support to the civilians. The NAFhad to be prepared to perform other tasks spec-ified in legislation and international contracts.

Participation of the NAF in military exercises

In 2015 NAF units participated in 69 militaryexercises, out of which the majority were international. Special emphasis was laid on theinternational training and exercises in which,apart from the NATO countries’ contingentsthat are stationed in Latvia and other interna-tional partners, cooperation in various fields ofdefence was developed and trained, for instance, “Arrcade Fusion 2015”, “Baltic Host2015”, “Summer Shield XII”, “Saber Strike2015”, “Zobens 2015”, “Sudraba bulta 2015”,“Detonators 2015” and others.

In 2015, the exercise “Summer Shield”, inwhich battalion level battle group headquartersand other/subordinate units capabilities to planand conduct various combat support elementsare usually trained, was held as a joint landforces, air force and naval exercise, where various military vehicles and combat supportweapons were used. More than 1100 partici-pants from the NAF and NG units, as well asfrom the US National Guard, Marine and theUS 2nd Cavalry Regiments, from Lithuanian,German, Luxembourg and Canadian ArmedForces participated in the exercise in Adazitraining area. Soldiers had a possibility notonly to train in completing tasks involving ar-tillery, aviation and reconnaissance, but also tolearn about and get experience in areas, suchas military engineering and protection againstweapons of mass destruction, as well as totrain in firing weapons that are part of othermember countries’ armament.

The main emphasis of the training “Sudrababulta 2015” (“Silver Arrow 2015”) was coop-eration of partner countries’ armed forcesunits within the Baltic region while planningdefence operations and performing tacticaltasks in an international environment. The tar-get audience of the exercise were the battalionbattle groups, headquarters and company con-trol groups. More than 1000 foreign soldiersfrom the USA, Denmark, Germany, Canadaand the UK, including troops from NATOpartnering states that are stationed in Latvia,as well as the Baltic Air Policing units tookpart in the exercise.

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During the exercise “Arrcade Fusion”, NATOARRC headquarters was set in Latvia in orderto test the capability to control the deploymentof forces in the conditions of crisis. Approxi-mately 1400 troops from 18 NATO memberstates participated in the exercise which was simultaneous with the major HNS exercise“Baltic Host 2015”, during which all threeBaltic States trained and developed cooperationof the defence sector and civilian institutions incrisis situations. The leading country of the exercise was Lithuania, but the main target audience in each of the Baltic States was theHNS Group that provided an opportunity foroperating in real environment for the partici-pants of the exercise “Arrcade Fusion 2015”,at the same time gaining experience that allowsstrengthening interoperability with the armedforces of other NATO member countries.

In October 2015, the first reserve soldiers’training was held. The aim of the trainingwas to test reserve soldiers’ responsive-ness and ability to react to mobilization, as well as to test the ability of regular forcesunits to equip and include the reserve sol-diers in their units.

Participation of the NAF in internationaloperations

In 2015, the NAF participated in the NATO-ledoperation RS in Afghanistan, EU counter-piracy operation “Atalanta”, EU human traf-ficking combating operation in Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med operation “Sophia”) andMali (EUTM Mali).

NATO RS is an operation which aims at pro-viding advice and support to the security forcesand institutions of Afghanistan. In 2015, 45 Latvian military personnel participated inthe operation in Afghanistan.

In 2015 Latvia continued participation in theEU counterpiracy operation “Atalanta” andcommenced participation in the EU humantrafficking combating operation “EUNAVFORMed operation “Sophia”” in order to destroyhuman trafficking and trading network forprofit making in the Mediterranean region.

14 Latvian troops participated in the operation“EUTM Mali” in order to reinstate efficient andresponsible Mali Armed forces that would be capable of ensuring long-term security in Maliand reinstate the country’s territorial integrityunder the supervision of civilian institutions.

In order to ensure the fulfilment of Latvia’scommitment to the NATO collective defence,a unit was prepared for the NRF in 2015 – aLatvian contingent that is a part of the Balticbattalion and that was formed on the basis ofLF InfBde 2nd Infantry Battalion. The readi-ness of 240 troops to perform tasks as a partof the NRF was tested in the biggest NATOexercise since 2002 “Trident Juncture 2015”that was held simultaneously in Italy, Portugal,Spain, Canada, Norway, Germany, Belgium,the Netherlands, as well as in the Atlanticocean and the Mediterranean. The exercisewas divided in two stages, the first one being astaff exercise which tested officers of strategicand operational level, as well as representa-

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tives from the EU and the African Union. Atthe end of the tactical exercise Joint ForceCommand headquarters in Brunssum was cer-tified to command NRF, if it is activated in2016. More than 36 000 military personnelfrom NATO and member states of the pro-gramme “Partnership for Peace” (PfP) partic-ipated in the exercise. Also approximately 230various types of military technology from allbranches and weapons were involved, includ-ing more than 60 ships and submarines andmore than 140 aircraft and helicopters. Theexercise “Trident Juncture 2015” concluded“NRF 2016” preparation cycle of Latvia’scontingent during which a series of nationaland international training and exercises tookplace in order to prepare contingent soldiersfor the duty in the NRF in 2016 – “SaberStrike 2015”, “Gungnir 2015”, “Iron Sword2015”, “Silver Arrow 2015”, “Saber Junc-tion”, “Trident Jaguar”, “Trident Joust”,“Launchpad” and others.

Continuing contribution to theNRF, since July2015 till the end of the year Latvia’sminesweeper M-06 “Talivaldis” was part ofNATO IRF in the Standing NATO MineCountermeasures Group SNMCMG-1 withthe crew of 45 people. For participation in thisunit to perform NATO tasks, the NAF assignsone minesweeper at least once in two years forsix-month rotation.

In 2015 Latvia provided an MP platoon forduty in NATO IRF.

NAF support to the public

In 2015, NAF explosive ordnance (EO) dis-posal specialists completed 1336 tasks. On average 4-5 tasks were completed in a day, thebiggest number of calls in a day was 15. In2015, 8894 items of explosive ordnance weredestroyed. EOD unit provided support in highrisk classes and training, clearing NAF mili-tary training areas from explosive ordnance,and in demilitarization.

During the exercise “Detonators 2015”, 2464EO were destroyed.

In 2015, NFF destroyed 317 EO, out of which179 EO were destroyed when responding tocalls, but 138 – during the exercises.

Performing sea surveillance, 34130 vesselswere detected and recognized in 2015. In orderto facilitate the reporting to the NFF CoastGuard Service Sea Search and Rescue coordi-nation centre about the accidents at sea, a freeemergency telephone number 115 was intro-duced since January 1, 2015 (the Cabinet ofMinisters’ Regulations No.684). It is possible tocall 115 from all telecommunication operators.

In addition to their daily tasks, LF InfBdeunits provided support to civilian institutions(object’s demolition, searching for a missingperson) in 2015.

Upon request, Air Force Aviation Base (AFAB) provided the necessary support for SBGoperative flights. Search and rescue (SAR), as

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well as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) du-ties were carried out, and 29 SAR/MEDEVACflights were performed. 15 people were saved.

48 NG professional service soldiers and 62 National Guard personnel participated in 23 preparation measures for possible provisionof aid in eliminating consequences of flood, forest fires and other natural disasters. 122 national guard and 25 professional service soldiers from the NG assisted in searching formissing people 11 times, finding 2 people.

The NAF Headquarters Battalion (HQB) sol-diers engaged in the events organized by Latvian Children’s Fund with the aim to support children with special needs, largefamilies, low-income families, talented chil-dren and orphans. NAF HQB cooperated withschools, organizing excursions to the prem-ises of the battalion and introducing school-children with military personnel’s dailyroutine. Close cooperation was developedwith Oskars Kalpaks Elementary School ofNational Arts and Crafts.

NAF HQB Honour Guard Company and NAForchestra participated in the state of Latviaand NAF military ceremonies, as well as provided support to the government and non-government organizations.

NAF SOF soldiers participated in public proj-ects – the great collective work in Riga,

Bolderaja, as well as tended memorial sites inBumbu kalnins and Naves sala and donatedmoney to Plavnieki Orphans’ care centre.

One of the most important tasks for the NAFMP in the first half of 2015 was the LatvianPresidency in the Council of the EU and sup-port for the events organized by the MoD. Intotal, MP was involved in organization andsupport of 11 security events.

The NG provided support for the State Police,state institutions, municipalities and public organizations, ensuring security in the eventsorganized by them. 1256 National Guard, 254professional soldiers and 130 NG veteranswere involved in 268 events.

Professional service soldiers and NationalGuard from the NG units gave presentationsand introduced schoolchildren and students tothe main tasks and daily routine in the armedforces and the main tasks of the NG. Theyshared their experience from international operations and various training events, pro-vided support in cultural and sports events, forinstance “Museum Night 2015”, the Festivalof the Assumption of the Most Holy VirginMary to Heaven in Aglona, in the events “Latvian Riflemen – 100”, cycling event“Vienības brauciens” and others.


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3. Personnel of the Ministry of Defence

In 2015, no radical structural changes weremade in the MoD. By joining three formerlyindependent sections – Administrative section,Record-keeping section and the Central archive, an Administrative and Document Management Department was established.

In 2015, 241 staff positions were ratified. On December 31, 2015, 229 people were employed by the MoD, out of which 145were officials, 59 employees and 25 militarypersonnel.

68 MoD employees and military personnel, including three Defence Attachés, one DefenceAdvisor, 11 representatives in an internationalorganization, one senior referent, one senior accountant, four senior experts performed workin international organizations, including NATOstructures. 47 NAF soldiers served abroad aspart of Military representatives’ group (MRG).

The administrative management in 2015 wasensured by four undersecretaries of state (forPolicy, Logistics, Finance and Administrativeand Legal matters), executive secretary in thematters of military capability development, 11 department directors and four heads of independent sections.

In the previous year, 142 (62%) women and 87(38%) men were employed in the MoD. 19.2%of the employees were at the age between 21and 30, 40.2% - from 31 to 40, 22.3% - from

41 to 50 years, 12.2% - from 51 to 60 years, but6.1% - older than 60.

5.2% of MoD employees have secondary orsecondary vocational education, but 94.8%have higher education (including 20.5% -Bachelor’s degree and 40.1% - Master’s degree).

In 2015, the MoD hired 41 new employees,including promoting 14 employees and 6 mil-itary personnel to the positions of officials. 35people were dismissed from work, includingfour, who left for personal reasons, four – dueto the termination of the contract, 15 – basedon mutual agreement, six – due to the expiryof their authority, but six soldiers were trans-ferred to the NAF.

15 employees were on a maternity leave in theprevious year.

20 competitions for 27 positions were organ-ized, receiving 284 applications.

In 2015, six MoD employees graduated fromhigher educational establishments, five of themobtained a Master’s degree. Two MoD employ-ees graduated from BALTDEFCOL.

In the previous year, the MoD employees at-tended various professional developmentcourses in Latvia. 52 employees participated incourses, organized by the State AdministrationSchool and 26 employees participated incourses organized by other learning centres.

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MoD employees are continuing to improvetheir foreign language (English and French)skills. In the courses, organized by the MoD,44 employees studied English, but six employ-ees studied French. Three employees studiedEnglish in the NAF Language school. Five

MoD employees studied French in the coursesorganized by the State Administration Schooland French Institute in Latvia.

34 employees attended courses abroad, includ-ing 10 employees who attended IMET courses.


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4. Communication with the public

4.1. Events for informing and educating the public

In 2015 the MoD informed public about thecurrent events in the defence sector, the mostsignificant capability development projects andregional security, about Latvia’s participationin the NATO training operation RS, the EUcounterterrorism operation “Atalanta”, EUTMMali, EU Naval forces in the Mediterranean region EUNAVFOR Med military operation“Sophia”, United Nations’ operation Mali MINUSIMA, as well as about the plannedparticipation of Latvia in counterterrorism operation “Inherent resolve” in Iraq.

In the previous year, the public was informedabout the implementation and impact of the decisions taken during the Wales summit, reg-ularly disseminating information about allies’presence in Latvia, Air Policing mission in theNATO air space above the Baltics, NATO shipsthat are on duty in the Baltic sea, the impor-tance of establishment of Joint ExpeditionaryForce and NFIU in strengthening Latvia’s security, as well as other events enhancing security in the region.

The public was informed about the currentevents and priorities of the defence sector alsoduring the Latvian Presidency in the Councilof the EU in the first half of 2015. During themost significant defence sector events, severalmedia opportunities were held, among them

press conferences, informing mass media aboutthe priorities of the defence sector. Media rep-resentatives were also welcome to meet highofficials who attended events of the defencesector during the presidency.

At the end of 2015, the future spending of the2016 defence budget was explained, emphasiz-ing the most significant priorities of the defencesector, capabilities’ development projects andthe required financial assets for their imple-mentation. In order to show the people inLatvia and international community the defencebudget spending, infographics were preparedin Latvian and English languages that clearlyshow the overall dynamics of the defencebudget and its perspective, so that by 2018 itwould reach 2% from GDP. The Minister ofDefence press conference was organized; sev-eral interviews and commentaries were givento representatives of mass media.

In 2015 the US training march “DragoonRide” crossed Latvia for the first time, whenthe US 2nd Cavalry Regiment along with morethan 40 various kinds of military transport, including 20 armoured vehicles “Stryker”, returned to Germany after the rotation “Atlanticresolve”. Within the framework of trainingmarch “Dragoon Ride”, transport and equip-ment displays with media opportunities wereheld in Jelgavkrasti, Saulkrasti, Riga andIecava, allowing the public to get acquaintedwith the military transport of the NAF and allies, as well as to find out in more detailabout the US troops’ presence in Latvia andjoint trainings with the NAF.

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In 2015, at the initial stages of the developmentof the SDC, several public discussions were organized in order to improve the quality of thedocument, as well as the public understandingof current issues. Discussions addressed ques-tions about the scope of state institutions’ responsibilities in hybrid warfare, new threatsand possibilities to react to them, patriotic upbringing and the youth’s motivation to getinvolved in the state defence, self-defencewithin the framework of collective defence, aswell as about the possibilities and challengesof reinstating conscript service. The ideas andproposals put forward during the discussionswere taken into account during the preparationof the new SDC version.

In 2015 the first reserve soldiers’ training washeld, thus, starting the planned military skills’refreshment of reserve soldiers, so that ap-proximately 3000 reserve soldiers would beprepared by 2018. The MoD Military PublicAffairs department Press unit actively informed the mass media about the course ofthis training, by organizing several media opportunities, interviews with the authoritiesof the defence section, representatives of theNAF Recruitment and Selection Centre andreserve soldiers.

The public was also informed about the inter-national operation “Atlantic resolve”, whichstarted in April 2014, when the US troops arrived to Latvia to ensure NATO allies’ pres-ence in the region. Welcoming every UStroops’ rotation, media opportunities were organized during which military transport and

equipment, including tanks “Abrams”, armoured vehicles “Bradley” and helicopters“Black Hawk” as well as allies’ combat capa-bilities were demonstrated. Also Germany’sinvolvement in strengthening Latvia’s secu-rity by deploying German Armed Forces 37thMechanized Infantry Brigade unit fromSaxia to Latvia with more than 20 tracked and15 wheeled technology units, including infantry fighting vehicles “Marder”, was re-flected in the media.

During the first half of 2015, the public received information about Latvia’s contin-gent’s participation in Sweden-led EU Battlegroup duty where 160 Latvian military person-nel participated, serving mainly in the rapid reaction unit of the battle group.

A lot of attention in media space in 2015 waspaid to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine andLatvia’s reaction to the crisis in Ukraine.Therefore, both Latvia’s and foreign massmedia continued paying special attention to thecurrent events of the defence sector.

The MoD prepared and sent approximately 600press releases to mass media in the previousyear. In 2015 several press conferences and international military training media days wereorganized, as well as media opportunities withthe participation of the Minister of Defence andthe NAF Chief of Defence.

Publicity was ensured for international exer-cises “Summer Shield XII”, “Saber Strike2015”, “Sudraba bulta 2015”, “Open Spirit

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2015”, “Steadfast Pyramid 2015” and “Stead-fast Pinnacle 2015”, “Baltic Fortress 2015”, “Baltops 2015”, “Baltic Host 2015” and “Arrcade Fusion 2016” and for exercises ofnational scale.

In 2015, the website of military newswww.sargs.lv was more frequently used as asource of information by news agencies LETAand BNS, as well as news portals.

Along with the successful twitter account of theLatvian army @Latvijas_armija that continuedinforming the public and mass media about theactivities of the armed forces and patrol flightsof NATO planes, identifying Russian aircraftnear the NATO air space borders, the numberof followers to the MoD twitter account@AizsardzibasMin rose by 30%.

In the spring and autumn of 2015, the MoD andNAF organized a set of lectures in secondaryschools of Latvia “How are we going to protectLatvia?” Within the framework of this project,students of secondary schools had a possibilityto meet civilian experts of the defence sector andNAF troops, who introduced students with themeasures for strengthening state defence and security, enhancing youth’s understanding aboutLatvia’s defence, citizens’ role, rights and dutiesin ensuring it, as well as about the security in information space. Those interested were pro-vided with the information about the possibili-ties to join Youth Guard, the NG or NAF. In2015, 68 lectures were given within the frame-work of this project.

4.2. Researching public opinion

In November 2015, market and public opinionresearch centre SKDS on the MoD request,carried out a study “Latvia’s Inhabitants’Opinion About the State Defence Issues”, randomly selecting and interviewing 1022 residents in the age group from 17 to 74 fromall Latvia’s regions.

According to the results of the study – 46% ofrespondents consider that during the last yearthe situation in the field of security and defence has improved. 9% expressed oppositeviews and approximately 31% of the respon-dents believe that the situation has notchanged during the last year. 55% of respon-dents mentioned economic recession as themost important threat to Latvia (in 2014 –67%). Similarly as in 2014, 37% of respon-dents consider that military risks constitutethreat to Latvia, whereas 24% believe it iscrime and drug abuse.

When asked to elaborate on why, in their opin-ion, the situation in the field of defence in ayear’s time has improved, the respondents mostfrequently mentioned NATO’s support and pres-ence in Latvia (24%). Comparatively frequentlythe respondents point to the fact that military exercises are held and experience exchange takesplace (22%). More respondents (if compared to2014) state that the situation has improved because the defence budget has been increased,that military equipment is purchased; moreover,the number of National Guard and Youth Guardis growing and their skills are improving as well.


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Respondents named several factors that have anegative impact on the situation in the field ofdefence, for instance, NATO’s presence (20%),refugee acceptance (20%), illegal migrants,Russian’s aggression and activities (13%).

When asked about their course of action if anarmed conflict, caused by external forces started,51% of the questioned inhabitants of Latvia indicate that they would stay in the country, including 24% who state that they would “ definitely stay”. 37% admit that they wouldleave the country, including 14% of respondentswho would “definitely leave”.

When asked to indicate which NAF activitiesthey noticed last year, military exercises (73%)are mentioned most frequently. 60% point outthat they have noticed military ceremonies,whereas 49% have noticed the NAF participa-tion in international operations, 42% – neutral-ization of explosive ordnance, 42% – searchand rescue of people at sea, 35% – participationin preventing emergency situations and rescue,31% – transportation of injured people in heli-copters, 21% – neutralization of environmentpollution. 8% admit they have not noticed anyof the NAF activities.

In 2015 special attention was paid to the devel-opment of NG combat capabilities, thereforethe respondents were asked to indicate to whatextent they trust the National Guard. In the nextyears, 70 million EUR will be invested in upgrading and developing NG equipment, personnel and infrastructure. Also inhabitants’ interest in joining the NG was considerable –

1210 people joined the NG, out of which 991National Guard is below the age of 35. 61% ofthe respondents reply that they would rather orfully trust the NG, including 16% that indicatethat they trust the NG fully. 25% of the respon-dents do not trust the NG.

When asked about acquiring military knowl-edge, 62% of the respondents agree that militaryknowledge should be learnt by every inhabitantof Latvia, for instance, as an additional subjectin civilian educational establishments or spe-cially organized classes. 28 % of the respon-dents disagree with this statement.

In 2015, NATO presence in Latvia and regionalsecurity were topical issues. After the decisiontaken during the summit in Wales about thereinforced presence of allied forces in Easternborder area, in 2015, Canadian, German, Danishand the US military personnel performed theirduties in Latvia. Troops from the above- mentioned countries in cooperation withtroops from Estonia, Lithuania, Great Britain, Finland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands,Belgium and Luxembourg have participatedin approximately 50 joint training and exer-cises in Latvia.

In the survey, 45% of the respondents indicatethat they trust NATO, including 10%, who statethat they fully trust NATO. 38% of the respon-dents claim that they do not trust NATO.

When asked about the budget, the survey results attest that most frequently the respon-dents believe that funding should be increased

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for military education and increasing troops’professionalism (firstly: 31%, secondly: 16%,thirdly: 10%). The next most frequently chosenfield is the development of NAF combat capa-bility (firstly: 21%, secondly: 19%, thirdly:11%). In total, approximately one third of therespondents believe that funding should be increased for military personnel’s salaries(firstly: 9%, secondly: 11%, thirdly: 12%), forpatriotic education of school youth (firstly: 9%,secondly: 11%, thirdly: 11%), for improvingliving conditions at the service place (firstly:8%, secondly: 13%, thirdly: 11%).

The opinion that funding, firstly, should beraised for the NG service support was ex-pressed by 5% of the respondents (secondly:9%, thirdly: 15%), for participation in inter-national peace keeping operations – 2% (secondly: 5%, thirdly: 5%), but for enhanc-ing professional military culture – 1% (sec-ondly: 1%, thirdly: 5%).

The comparison of the data from years 2014and 2015 shows that in 2015 slightly more frequently the respondents suggested that thefunding should be firstly increased for im-proving living conditions in the service place(in 2014: 5%, in 2015: 8%).

In comparison with year 2014, in 2015 the respondents stated more frequently that theyobtain information about the defence sector onnational Internet news portals (in 2014 – 16%,in 2015 – 21%), from local TV channels (in 2014 – 14%, in 2015 – 19%) and in localnewspapers (in 2014 – 8%, in 2015 – 14%).

4.3. Cooperation with non-governmental sector

Several non-governmental organizations(NGOs), connected with the defence sector,have been long-term partners of the Ministry.

Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO) andThe Centre for East European Policy Studies inLatvia enhanced public understanding about the matters of foreign policy and security policy.In order to promote more active involvement ofthe non-governmental sector in the processes ofthe defence sector, the MoD regularly informsloyal partners about the current events and invites to mutual discussions for exchange ofideas and opinions. Suggestions submitted byrepresentatives of NGOs and other public representatives are considered in councils estab-lished by the Minister of Defence.

In cooperation with LATO and MFA, the annual “Riga Conference” was held, gatheringhigh level experts on foreign policy and secu-rity policy. “Riga Conference” has become oneof the greatest and most notable forums inNorthern Europe with high level quality discus-sions about the current issues of foreign policy,security and international relations. In “RigaConference 2015” the following issues werediscussed: the situation in Ukraine, Russia’sforeign policy with regard to its neighbouringcountries, the role of NATO in protectingglobal stability, combatting “Daesh” and implementation of NATO Readiness ActionPlan. “Riga conference 2015” was attended bymore than 550 participants from 40 countries.

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The live broadcast of the conference waswatched in 84 countries and the total number ofviews exceeded 1.7 million in two days.

In cooperation with one the biggest interna-tional NGOs – the US German Marshal Fund(GMF) – every year the authorities of the MoDparticipate in Brussels forum to discuss thenewest challenges in the transatlantic environ-ment and promote the achievements of LatvianNGOs in the research of foreign and securitypolicy matters. Brussels forum is an annualmeeting of influential North American and European political, business and intellectualleaders. Long-term participation in the forumstrengthens the transatlantic bond among theallies, helps Latvia maintain constant strategicpartnership dialogue with the USA, contributeto strengthening the security of EU neighbour-ing region, as well as gives an opportunity toparticipate in international debate about theworld’s security policy and future developmentof the region.

In cooperation with Latvia’s Rural LibrarySupport Association (RLSA), the MoD sup-ported the participation of the NAF represen-tatives and Youth Guard in the Book Festivalorganized by RLSA in Latvia’s towns and villages. During these events the NG informedthe inhabitants about the NAF work and support to the public, but Youth Guard and National Guard organized agility relay com-petitions, as well as introduced the youth toYouth Guard activities.

Veterans’ NGO contributes greatly to educatingthe public on state military history and memo-rial events that honour the most outstandingmilitary personnel and reveal the most heroicmoments in the history of our army. Veteran’sNGO collects information about the fallen soldiers, discover new resting places of unknown soldiers, install memorial signs andpasses this important information to the youth.

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5. Ministry of Defence plan for the year 2016

5.1. Activities commenced in2015 that will be continued

One of the main tasks of the MoD in 2016 is tocontinue the preparation for NATO summit inWarsaw. The aim of the MoD is to achieve fullimplementation of NATO Readiness ActionPlan that would strengthen deterrence policyand region’s defence capabilities. From thesethe most essential issues are constant long-termpresence of allies in Latvia, pre- positioning ofallies’ military equipment in the Baltic regionand reinforcement of the NATO Baltic AirPolicing mission.

The development of the SDC has to be com-pleted in 2016 and the document has to be ratified in the Saeima. The SDC is a policy plan-ning document that will determine the state defence policy guidelines for the next four years.

Learning from other countries’ experience, theMoD has started work on introduction of Responsible Disclosure Policy in Latvia. As acomprehensive introduction of the policy instate government institutions has been foreseenas an extensive set of measures, the work onthe policy introduction will be continued in2016. Approximately 97% of cyber security incidents are directly or indirectly connectedwith inconsiderate and careless human activity,which are, in turn, a consequence of a weak understanding of risks and threats in cyberspace, therefore education and regular training

are of crucial importance. Being aware of thisfact, in 2015 Ministries of Defence of Latviaand Estonia launched an international initiative“Cyber Hygiene Initiative” aiming at enhanc-ing safe use of computers or cyber hygiene.The implementation of the project is envisagedto comprise possibly a vast range of state andmunicipal institutions, thus work on this initia-tive will continue also in 2016.

With regard to military geospatial information,special geospatial information products are cre-ated for various NAF aims. It has been plannedto complete work on the map that encompassesthe territories of the Baltic States and Latviancoastal region. The work on this map began in2014 and continued all throughout 2015.

In 2016 several significant equipment suppliesfor the development of the NAF capabilities areexpected. Various improvements on infrastruc-ture that were started in 2015 will continue in2016, for instance, on Adazi military base, in1st NG region 45th combat service support bat-talion’s territory in Kuldiga and in the territoryof Infantry School in Aluksne, as well as on theNAF Aviation base and in the NG units.

In 2016 in Air Command and Control SystemSoftware Based Element Project (ASBE) it isplanned to commence the purchase of voicecommunications appliances and supportequipment and continue work on the softwarepurchase in cooperation with NATO.

In 2016 within the NAF Aviation base project,the construction of the first four infrastructure

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sites will be launched, and the Aviation Basewill obtain hangars for storing equipment andperforming maintenance.

Within the framework of LF InfBde mecha-nization project, the first armoured vehicles forcombat units are planned to arrive in 2016.

5.2. The main tasks and measuresfor the year 2016

The main tasks of the MoD in 2016 are thefollowing:

• to ensure that expenses of the defence sectorinvestments are not lower than 20% fromthe defence budget;

• to ensure the personnel expenditure of thedefence sector does not exceed 50% fromthe defence budget;

• to increase the number of professional mil-itary service personnel;

• to continue the development of the LF InfBde Mechanized Battalion, paying special attention to the territorial defenceof Latvia and integration of mechanized platforms (CVR(T)s) in performing theNAF tasks;

• to launch the development of indirect firesupport capability in LF InfBde and the NG;

• to launch military engineer capability de-velopment in LF InfBde;

• to continue the development of air defencecapability by improving air space surveil-lance radar coverage and air defence com-mand and control capabilities, as well asby modernizing the existing air defencesystems;

• to ensure the availability of Youth Guardin every region and city of national impor-tance, paying special attention to strength-ening Youth Guard in Riga in order toreach the number of 7000;

• to continue the development of Adazitraining area and Adazi military camp in-frastructure in order to ensure a possibilityto organize joint military trainings of alarger scale;

• to improve interoperability of the NAFcommand and control and communicationssystems with NATO and partner states;

• to ensure participation of Latvian soldiersin NATO and EU operations, NRF and EUbattle groups;

• to develop national security and defence industry support policy;

• to achieve the long term military presenceof allies in the Baltics as decided duringNATO Warsaw summit;

• to conduct joint training and exercises ofvarious levels, strengthening strategic part-nership and military cooperation;

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• to ensure pre-positioning of US heavy armoured vehicles and other equipment inLatvia;

• along with NATO and the allies, invest ininfrastructure that supports allies’ presenceand the needs of military training/ exercises;

• to support NATO centre of excellence onmatters of strategic communication and itsresearch activities un strengthen interinsti-tutional cooperation on matters of strategiccommunication;

• to continue to develop the capability of theNAF cyber defence unit.

5.3. Planned cooperation projects for the year 2016

In cooperation with YGIC, the work on YouthGuard cyber unit was in progress in 2015, andin 2016 it is planned to launch the first practicaltraining of youth guard.

Latvia was actively involved in cooperationwith the Baltic States and, in a more extensiveregion, with Northern European countries(NB8), regularly meeting during cyber de-fence consultations on political and technicallevels. In 2016 meeting are planned to discussboth broader – strategic level of cyber securitypolicy issues – and more narrow – expert levelexperience exchange projects, for instance,experience exchange on critical infrastructurecyber security.

The main priority in organizing research activity in 2016 is to enhance synergy amongthe field of defence, researchers and the indus-try, creating a mechanism that, with the helpof the defence industry, would ensure thetransfer of researchers’ solutions and innova-tions into a specific product or capabilityneeded for the defence field. With such modelof cooperation, it is planned to carry out an in-depth analysis on possibilities to implementstudies on alternative solutions to reduce theimpact of electronic warfare, to find techno-logical solutions to reduce and prevent thethreat caused by unmanned aerial vehicles, tocreate and control mobile robotized platforms,to study materials for personnel and vehiclecamouflage and protection, as well as find solutions for improving personnel selection.

In 2016 the NDA CSSR research in militaryscience and in the fields of security and defencepolicy will be continued. To provide for theNAF needs, it has been planned to start a research on soldiers’ dry rations content and design and production in Latvia. For the needsof the MoD, it is planned to carry out an opin-ion poll to find out Latvia’s inhabitants’ viewson the state defence issues. Regarding interna-tional cooperation, it is planned to continue theongoing research of the EU and NATO research programmes (the average date of delivery – three years).

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Programme “State security protection”

In compliance with Section 24 Paragraph 5 ofthe law “On State Security Institutions” andRegulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 887of 26 October, 2004, “List of Official State Se-cret Objects” Paragraph 2.5.1., the informationabout the expenses of this program is secret.

Programme “War museum”

Operation of Latvian War Museum and the association “Brethren Cemetery Committee”are financed from this programme.

Programme “National Armed Forces”

The Programme includes funding for the NAF– all carrying costs of regular NAF units andNational Guard, and expenses for internationaloperations and centralized salaries of the NAFpersonnel.

Programme “Geodesy and cartography”

Funding for the program has been allocated forfulfilling functions of LGIA and ensuring stateborder demarcation between the Republic ofLatvia and Russian Federation.

Code of the programme Name of the programme Planned

budget (EUR)

06.00.00. State security protection 10 595 356

12.00.00. War museum 1 605 779

22.00.00. National Armed Forces 255 167 351

28.00.00. Geodesy and cartography 6 282 287

30.00.00. State Defence Policy implementation of 15 896 302

31.00.00. Pension fund for military personnel 13 477 442

33.00.00. Defence property management 32 107 470

34.00.00. Youth Guard Centre 5 182 751

35.00.00. Military and defence representatives abroad 6 565 364

70.00.00 Implementation of other projects and measures of EU policy instruments 445 397

73.00.00. Projects co-funded by other foreign financial aid 15 088 830

97.00.00. Field management and policy planning 5 520 065

IN TOTAL MoD 367 934 394

5.4. Ministry of Defence budget for the year 2016

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Programme “State defence policy implementation”

The Programme includes funding for participa-tion in NATO events, for fostering informationtechnology security in Latvia and payments forinternational organizations.

Programme “Pension fund for military personnel”

The aim of the programme is to provide pen-sion payments for retired military personnel,state mandatory insurance payments, as well asto allocate social security benefits and bonusesin compliance with the legislation in force.

Programme “Defence property management”

SCDMSP operation is financed from this pro-gramme, as well as the MoD repairs, construc-tion, state military installation management andprocurement procedures for the needs of theMoD, its subordinate institutions and the NAF.

Programme “Youth Guard Centre”

Operation of RYGC (as of January 1, 2016 –YGIC) is financed from this programme, including Youth Guard movement, public infor-mation function and enhancement of supportfor Latvia’s defence policy.

Programme “Military and defence representativesabroad”

Funding from this programme is allocated toensure work of Latvia’s defence attachés andrepresentatives, as well as the NAF militaryrepresentatives and technical personnel of theNAF military representations.

Programme “Implementation of other projects andmeasures of EU policy instruments”

The programme includes funding for trans-portation compensations for Latvia’s represen-tatives when travelling to the Council of the EUwork group meetings and Council sittings.Within the framework of the LIFE programme,it also provides funding for the implementationof environment protection measures in real estate under the MoD management.

Programme “Projects cofounded by other foreign financial aid”

The NATO Security Investment Programme(NSIP) is financed from this programme to reconstruct military airfield “Lielvarde” incompliance with the NATO requirements.Project implementation will result in an air-field, complying with the NATO and nationalrequirements, as well as a modern and multi-functional military base, which is necessaryfor the NAF to perform their duties in ensur-ing the state security. By carrying out the


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project, Latvia will implement NATO mem-ber state’s measures, including providing support measures for NATO operations incase of necessity and servicing NATO airpolicing aircraft. This programme covers expenses that ensure participation in the proj-ect “Advanced National Networks for Admin-istrations” (AnNA) which is co-founded bythe European Commission.

Program “Field management and policy planning”

This programme includes funding that is nec-essary for ensuring the operation of the MoDcentral apparatus.



Abbreviations Used in the Ministry of Defence Public Report

AFAB Air Force Aviation Base

AnNa Advanced National Networks For Administrations

ARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

ASBE Air Command and Control System Extension Software Based Element

BALTDEFCOL Baltic Defence College

CIPS Combat Individual Protection System

CSDP Common Security and Defence Policy

CSSR Centre for Security and Strategic Research

CVR(T) Combat Vehicles Reconnaissance (Tracked)

EDA European Defence Agency

EEAS European External Action Service

EMPA European Military Press Association

EO Explosive ordnance

EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal

ERI European Reassurance Initiative

EU European Union

EUNAVFORMed EU military navy operation in the Mediterranean Sea

EUTM Mali European Training Mission Mali

FMF Foreign Military Financing

FSDI Latvia Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GMF German Marshal Fund

HNS Host Nation support


HQBN Headquarters Battalion

IMET International Military Education and Training

InfBde Infantry Brigade

INSPIRE Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community

IRF Immediate Response Forces

ISAF International Security Assistance Force

JEF Joint Expeditionary Force

JFTC Joint Force Training Centre

JHQ Joint Headquarters

JOG Joint Operations Graphic

JTAC Joint terminal attack controller

LATO Latvian Transatlantic Organisation

LatPos Latvia Positioning System

LF Land Forces

LGIA Latvian Geospatial Information Agency

LLC Limited liability company

LMOC “Lockheed Martin Overseas Corporation”

LWM Latvian War Museum

MEDEVAC Medical evacuation

MEPRD Ministry of Environmental Protection and regional Development

MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MGCP Multinational Geospatial Co-production Program

MI Ministry of the Interior

MID Military Information Department


MIDD Military Intelligence and Security Service

MNC N-E Multinational Corps Northeast

MoD Ministry of Defence

MP Military Police

MRG Military Representatives’ Group

NAF National Armed Forces

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATO STO NATO Science and Technology Organization

NATO StratCom COE NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence

NCIA NATO Communications and Information Agency

NDA National Defence Academy of Latvia

NFF Naval Forces Flotilla

NFIU NATO Force Integration Unit

NG National Guard

NGO Non-governmental organization

NICSC Naval Intermediate Staff and Command Course

NIS Network and Information Security

NPI New Policy Initiatives

NRF NATO Response Force

NSIP NATO Security Investment Programme

OIG Office of Inspector General

OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

PfP Partnership for Peace

RLSA Rural Library Support Association


RS Resolute Support

RSU Riga Stradins University

RTU Riga Technical University

RYGC Recruitment and Youth Guard Centre

SAR search and rescue

SBG State Border Guard

SCDMSP State Centre for Defence Military Sites and Procurement

SDC State Defence Concept

SFRS State Fire and Rescue Service

SNGP Substantial NATO-Georgia package

SNMCMG-1 Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One

SUF Special Operations Forces

TanDEM-X High Resolution Elevation Data Exchange Program

TRADOC Training and Doctrine Command

UN United Nations

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

VD 2011 “Vienna Document 2011”

VJTF Very High Readiness Joint Task Force

YGIC Youth Guard and Information Centre

ministry of defence public report of the year...

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