November 3, 2026

For the first time, the Canadian-led NATO military brigade has been moved at full scale to eastern Latvia, near the borders with Russia and Belarus.

As tensions with Russia persist, Canadian soldiers have been positioned in a defensive battle-ready posture to help ensure the security of NATO countries, CTV News has reported.

Approximately 3,000 NATO troops and 1,000 military vehicles and pieces of equipment are taking part in this military operation in Latvia. Troops from various NATO member countries have joined Canadian personnel.

NATO troop movement towards the Russian border

The unprecedented scale of the movement of the Canadian-led NATO multinational brigade to eastern Latvia is being regarded as an important security measure.

The military exercise, ‘Resolute Reforger 2026’, began on October 26, 2026, and continues until November 8.

During the exercise, soldiers leave their camps, establish defensive positions in areas resembling actual combat environments, and test their ability to respond to enemy attacks.

Moving troops over long distances, supplying weapons and food, maintaining military communications, and coordinating units from different countries are also key objectives of the exercise.

Canada’s CH-146 Griffon military helicopters are also being used to support these operations.

Canadian Colonel David Brossard, commander of the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, has explained that the exercise aims to ensure that troops can operate effectively outside military bases as well.

A major Canadian military operation abroad

Approximately 2,000 Canadian military personnel are currently serving in Latvia under Canada’s ‘Operation REASSURANCE’.

It is the Canadian Armed Forces’ largest overseas military operation.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has placed greater emphasis on strengthening the security of Eastern European countries.

Latvia, which shares borders with Russia and Belarus, holds a particularly important position in the defence of NATO’s eastern flank.

The government led by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has already announced that Operation REASSURANCE will be extended until 2031.

This confirms Canada’s long-term military contribution to European security.

As tensions between Russia and NATO continue, this large-scale military operation in Latvia has attracted international attention.

However, this is not a direct combat operation launched against Russia. It is a defensive exercise intended to protect the borders of NATO member countries and prepare for potential future military threats.