Forging National Resilience: How Latvia Integrates Civil and Military Preparedness for Modern Defense

Since 2018, Latvia has based its national security approach on the Comprehensive State Defence System, which integrates civil protection, host nation support, and whole-of-government coordination. Under this framework, government institutions began systematically participating in national and regional exercises, ensuring that ministries, municipalities, and state agencies train alongside the armed forces. This whole-of-government approach has been tested repeatedly in large-scale drills, strengthening cooperation, communication, and crisis decision-making. The system also aligns with seven baseline civil preparedness requirements, bringing together civilian, military, private-sector, and governmental actors. Through this model, civil resources – from essential services to logistics, infrastructure, transportation, and emergency response – are organized to support national defence. As a result, Latvia has developed a resilient structure in which civil authorities and the military operate as a unified team, ensuring the country can mobilize effectively and protect the population under any conditions.

Civilian emergency responders and military personnel work side by side during a national defence exercise in Latvia, demonstrating coordinated readiness and whole-of-society cooperation.

The comprehensive national defence exercise “Namejs” is a regularly scheduled exercise that has been held across Latvia since 2014. In 2025, it brought together approximately 12,000 Latvian and Allied soldiers and National Guard members in training activities across the entire country. Alongside the military units, ministries, municipalities, companies, and non-governmental organizations also took part. The contribution of these institutions and partners provides essential support to national defence and reinforces the practical implementation of Latvia’s comprehensive national defence system.

Beyond “Namejs,” Latvia conducts a wide range of civil–military exercises that ensure the entire nation is prepared to respond to crises and support defence requirements. “Kristaps”, a government-level exercise, tests the ability of ministries and national institutions to coordinate strategic decisions during complex crises. “Pilskalns” focuses on municipalities, strengthening local-level crisis management, cooperation with the National Guard, and support to civilian populations. Effective communication is rehearsed through “Rupors,” Latvia’s crisis-communication exercise, which trains government spokespersons, public agencies, and partners to deliver coordinated messaging in high-pressure situations.

Medical readiness is reinforced through the “Ausma” and “Panaceja” exercises, which enhance the ability of medical personnel, hospitals, and emergency services to operate under increased demand and in cooperation with military medical units. The cyber domain is strengthened in cooperation with Allies through “Locked Shields,” one of the world’s leading cyber-defence exercises, where Latvian civilian and military cyber specialists jointly defend critical infrastructure networks against sophisticated simulated attacks.

Latvia also develops logistical and technical preparedness. The “Vezums” exercise focuses on transportation and mobility support – testing the ability of civilian transport companies, national logistics structures, and the Armed Forces to ensure the movement of personnel, equipment, and essential supplies. RADEX, Latvia’s national CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) exercise, trains emergency services, specialized civil institutions, and the military to respond jointly to hazardous material incidents and protect the population from complex CBRN threats.

Civilian medics and military personnel carrying a casualty toward a helicopter during a national defence exercise in Latvia.

Additionally, the civil–military cooperation exercise “Natrix” plays a key role in strengthening civilian support for military operations. “Natrix” trains civil authorities, companies, and community representatives to provide necessary services, information, and logistical assistance to the armed forces, ensuring effective cooperation during both national defence activities and Allied operations on Latvian territory. This exercise reinforces practical coordination mechanisms and ensures that civilian structures can reliably support military requirements in real-world conditions.

Together, these exercises ensure that every component of the state – political leadership, municipal authorities, private-sector partners, emergency services, cyber specialists, and military forces – understands its role and can operate as part of an integrated defence effort.

Latvia strongly believes that collective defence must continue to be strengthened through a comprehensive national approach. Every member of society has a role to play – from government institutions and the armed forces to communities, businesses, and individuals. This nation-in-arms commitment will further enhance our resilience, ensure we can withstand and recover from any threat, and make the entire Alliance stronger and more adaptable in the face of evolving security challenges.