Latvia to host ‘Namejs 2026’ large-scale defense exercises

Latvia will host the comprehensive national defense exercise ‘Namejs 2026’ from September 2 to October 8. The maneuvers will involve approximately 12,000 personnel, including members of the Latvian National Armed Forces, National Guard, state defense service, and reserve soldiers, alongside allied forces from NATO nations such as Canada, the United States, Estonia, and Lithuania.

The exercises aim to test the cooperation between national and allied forces in responding to various crisis and military threat scenarios. A significant focus will be placed on unmanned aerial systems (drones) and anti-drone capabilities, incorporating lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine. Increased drone activity is expected in Latvia’s eastern regions and along the border to practice detection, identification, and neutralization of enemy systems.

Beyond military maneuvers, the exercise includes mobilization training to test the rapid equipping of reserves and the deployment of troops. It also serves as a multi-sector test of national resilience, involving the Crisis Management Center, government ministries, security agencies, local municipalities, and private companies. This coordination aims to ensure the continuity of essential functions in sectors such as energy, transport, food supply, and communications during a crisis.