'NATRIX' emergency drills under way in Latvia

From March 24th to 27th, the civil-military cooperation exercise "NATRIX 2026" will be held throughout Latvia to prepare National Guards for the task of identifying and providing information about the civil environment to allied forces in situations of military threat and crisis.

"Civilian support for military units is necessary in several areas. Civilian-military cooperation is an essential component of a comprehensive national defence system, which ensures effective joint action of state administration institutions, the National Armed Forces, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and society to overcome national threats. It is important because only closely coordinated cooperation and a common understanding of common goals allow for a quick and effective response to crises and ensure the defence of Latvia," said an explanation from the National Armed Forces (NBS).

The exercise will involve Latvian soldiers and National Guards, as well as allies from the Canadian Forces Command in Latvia, the US 5th Corps, NATO Multinational Division North, NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia and the NATO Force Integration Unit. Representatives from the United Kingdom Civil-Military Cooperation Group, the Multinational Civil-Military Group and NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum will also participate in the exercise.

The exercises will take place in more than 20 Latvian municipalities, but no military combat simulations will be conducted during the exercises, nor will any type of ammunition be fired.

"NATRIX 2026" is a continuation of the exercises "NAMEJS", "PILSKALNS" and "RUPORS".