Home  /  Newsroom  /  News  /  2022  /  Allies demonstrate interoperability during exercise Summer Shield in Latvia

Ādaži, Latvia – On 16-27 May, Allies from across NATO participated in exercise Summer Shield. Led by the Latvian Army, it served to enhance joint capabilities of NATO forces by integrating air and ground operations with indirect fire support.

A Latvian Mechanised Infantry Brigade's armoured crew at the Ādaži training area during exercise Summer Shield / Photo by Latvian Army

Czech combat engineers with NATO eFP Battlegroup Latvia enable a wet gap crossing during exercise Summer Shield, 20 May 2022 / Photo by SGT Ēriks Kukutis

Summer Shield was linked to Defender Europe, an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., Allied and partner militaries. Linked exercises share coordinated mission command, mutual sustainment and common mission partner environment. 

Key participants of Summer Shield included the Latvian Mechanised Infantry Brigade reinforced by NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Latvia, in addition to military units from Denmark, Lithuania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Summer Shield created an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and unity of the North Atlantic Alliance, as well as the full integration between the eFP Battlegroup and the Latvian Army in the international setting. The exercise tested maneuverability and combat support capabilities at the tactical level, allowing for close cooperation between the Latvian Armed Forces and participating Allied countries. Clearly articulating its defensive mission, Summer Shield sought to enhance operational readiness in order to respond to any potential crises at all times.

U.S. Army Michigan National Guard soldiers assigned to Charley Battery, 119th Field Artillery Regiment, conduct call for fire training during exercise Summer Shield at the Ādaži training area, 18 May 2022 / Photo by SGT Ēriks Kukutis

During Summer Shield, Allies tested a range of capabilities enabling them to act as one interoperable force / Photos by SGT Ēriks Kukutis