Event 0f81760e-d713-4c5b-a619-0f4ee6431144

Approved event from Hybrid War Tracker

Status: Approved Confidence: High Classification: Military & Paramilitary Operations > Conventional Military Pressure > Troop movements near borders Country: Latvia Where: Land Tag: Sweden Tag: Latvia Tag: Defense Preparation Tag: NATO Tag: defence cooperation Tag: military presence Tag: Archer artillery Tag: Saab JAS 39 Gripen Tag: unmanned aerial vehicles Tag: Baltic Sea Tag: Arctic security Tag: Baltic defense Tag: collective defense Defense Confidence: High

Source: https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/16.01.2026-latvia ...

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Event Time

➕

Created

✏️

Updated

Summary

Headline: Latvia and Sweden to align more closely on defence

Short Summary: On January 16, 2026, Ministers of Defence of Latvia and Sweden signed a document expanding defence sector cooperation, focusing on air, sea, and land capabilities including unmanned systems.

Extended Summary: On January 16, 2026, the Defence Ministers of Latvia and Sweden signed a document aimed at expanding defence sector cooperation across air, sea, and land domains. The agreement emphasizes industrial cooperation, covering important and effective systems such as the Archer wheeled artillery system, unmanned aerial vehicles, and protection of critical infrastructure. Latvia highlights Sweden's military presence in Latvia as a demonstration of solidarity and NATO collective defense. The roadmap includes Sweden's continued NATO multinational brigade presence in Latvia, support to maritime surveillance, and joint use of training facilities. Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen warplanes could be temporarily deployed in Latvia to enhance air defense. Both ministers stressed the strategic significance of cooperation in the Baltic Sea and Arctic region, with potential U.S. involvement and contributions from Denmark also noted. The cooperation is also coordinated with Sweden’s NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.

Description

Latvia and Sweden, as NATO allies, have enhanced their defence cooperation by signing an agreement on January 16, 2026, to expand collaboration in air, sea, and land defence sectors. The agreement includes joint development and deployment of systems like the Archer artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles, and protection of critical infrastructure. Sweden will maintain and potentially increase its military presence in Latvia, including use of training facilities and possible deployment of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters. This cooperation demonstrates NATO solidarity and focuses on collective defence capabilities in the Baltic region and Arctic, with a broader implication for NATO's posture and cooperation in Northern Europe.

Event Classification

Defense Preparation Event

Rationale

The event describes Latvia and Sweden, both NATO allies, expanding their defense cooperation through agreements on troop presence, joint deployment of military systems and critical infrastructure protection. No hostile or aggressive actions by Russia or others are described, only allied defense preparation and strengthening of collective defense.

Evidence

Quotes

"It's about industrial cooperation. It's about cooperation in the field of procurement, in very important and effective systems, for example, the 'Archer' wheeled artillery system. It's about cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. It's about cooperation in the protection of critical infrastructure. It's about air defense. And we are taking the next steps to potentially also ensure the presence of additional air forces in Latvia," said Sprūds.

"Sweden's military presence in Latvia is a clear demonstration of solidarity among allies and a contribution to NATO's collective defense," said Sprūds.

"The two ministers also mentioned Sweden's renowned Saab JAS 39 Gripen warplanes. Sprūds acknowledged that tangible results could also be expected soon in the field of air defense, as the temporary deployment of Swedish jets in Latvia could take place this year."

"The message we are sending is that the Arctic is important, that the High North is important and that we as NATO allies are ready to provide greater security in the Arctic. That was the message we were sending. And of course Denmark is closely involved in this process, as are a number of other allies."

Source

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/16.01.2026-latvia-and-sweden-to-align-more-closely-on-defence.a630335/