The "Namejs 2026" exercises will involve soldiers and Zemessargi from all units, including personnel from the National Armed Forces, reserve soldiers, and military personnel from allied armed forces. During the exercises, cooperation between the National Armed Forces, allied armed forces, and civilian institutions will be enhanced. Collaboration with the Crisis Management Centre, the State Chancellery, and sectoral ministries, their subordinate institutions, security agencies, several municipalities, and enterprises will also continue during the exercises. The planning of the exercises incorporates lessons learned in Ukraine and experiences from modern armed conflicts. Therefore, particular attention will be paid to the use of unmanned systems and the development of counter-drone defense capabilities during the exercises. Intensive flights of unmanned aerial vehicles will be conducted in the eastern region of Latvia, including border areas, practicing their use for various tasks while simultaneously training the ability to detect, identify, and neutralize enemy unmanned systems. Additionally, the development and integration of capabilities of all branches of the armed forces in joint operations will continue during the exercises. About 12,000 soldiers and Zemessargi from Latvia and allied countries will participate in the exercises. The exercises are organized in cooperation with the NATO Multinational Division North Headquarters. Military personnel from Canada, the USA, Estonia, Lithuania, and other allied countries will take part. Units belonging to the NATO Multinational Division North, as well as the NATO Force Integration Unit in Latvia, will also be involved in the exercises.
