Solar Eclipse military drills at Ādaži base

Improving the skills of artillery and anti-tank units, strengthening cooperation, and target acquisition using unmanned aerial vehicles – all of this is being practised until April 2 at the Ādaži training range and its surroundings during the military exercise "Solar Eclipse 2026," organised by the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade, Latvian Television reported on 26th March.

To improve cooperation between artillery, mortar, and anti-tank units, effectively supporting the brigade’s mission execution, the Land Forces Mechanised Infantry Brigade’s “Solar Eclipse” military exercise is taking place at the Ādaži military training area. Over the course of nearly two weeks, with the exercise divided into two parts, the soldiers are also cooperating with the National Guard and allies from the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.

Russia’s war in Ukraine marks a new reality – drones have become a critical element of combat. That is why they are increasingly being incorporated into military exercises. Including these ones.

"Target detection no longer relies on the eyes of forward observers or sensors, but is instead carried out via drones. Basically, sensors launch the drones, detect targets, and this allows them to stay farther from the target and thus increase their survivability," said Anatolijs Derjugins, commander of the Artillery Division of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces.

A portion of the compulsory service soldiers, who began their service at the Ādaži military base last summer, are also participating in this large-scale exercise. After completing basic training and specialisation, the soldiers of the Artillery Division are taking their final exams here, demonstrating the skills they have acquired. Among them is soldier Georgs Harlapenkovs, who volunteered for service and is considering the possibility of continuing his career in the professional service.

"It’s a tremendous feeling, pride and, of course, joy, because it might seem that the National Guard is something smaller, but we’re marching alongside professional soldiers, doing the same things they do, and they’re doing the same things we do. So we stand shoulder to shoulder as equals, and that also gives a sense of elation. Those more complex fire missions, when you have to think more about complex tasks and nuances, and that’s where the fatigue comes from –the routine of prolonged firing. We haven’t experienced that to a great extent yet, and I’m looking forward to it," said the soldier.

The exercises will conclude next week, on April 2, and then the brigade will begin preparing for the next ones, scheduled for a couple of months from now.