Canada sends helicopters to Latvia to deter Russian aggression

This was reported by the Joint Operations Command of the Canadian Armed Forces on social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.

“Canadian Air Force CH-146 helicopters have arrived to participate in Operation Reassurance in Riga. These helicopters are an important part of the Canadian government's commitment to NATO's multinational brigade in Latvia,” the post reads.

It is noted that the helicopters will provide “logistical coordination and personnel support to the mission.”

As reported, hundreds of Canadian troops, as well as representatives of other NATO countries, have been serving in Latvia as part of a multinational battalion for six years as part of Operation Reassurance to deter possible Russian aggression. After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada announced its intention to double its military contingent in Latvia.

As Ukrinform reported, 15 Leopard 2 main battle tanks arrived in the country last year. It is expected that the brigade will be fully staffed by 2026 and will consist of 2,200 soldiers.