Latvia Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 114th
MPR SCORE: 254
MPR Index: 0.0715 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.8799 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.517 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Latvia ranks 114th globally in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. As a NATO member and frontline state bordering Russia, Latvia’s military strategy is centered on territorial defense, rapid mobilization, and seamless integration with alliance forces. Its armed forces, while modest in size, are highly professional, and benefit from continuous support through NATO deterrence deployments, joint exercises, and air policing operations.
The Latvian National Armed Forces (Nacionālie Bruņotie Spēki) consist of land forces, air defense elements, naval patrol units, and a strong cyber defense command, all operating under a doctrine of total defense. Latvia’s military posture prioritizes interoperability, resilience, and forward deterrence, leveraging rotational NATO battlegroups, particularly in response to growing regional tensions since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Investments in modern command systems, anti-armor capabilities, and national mobilization frameworks have accelerated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Strengths
1. NATO Membership and Forward Deployed Allied Forces
Latvia hosts a NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup, led by Canada, alongside regular participation in Baltic Air Policing and multilateral training exercises, giving it frontline deterrent coverage and strategic depth via alliance commitments.
2. Professional Force and Total Defense Strategy
Latvia emphasizes a reserve-based mobilization model, professional officer corps, and a National Guard (Zemessardze) system that can rapidly scale up in the event of invasion. The doctrine includes civil defense coordination, infrastructure resilience, and population-wide readiness training.
3. Modernization of Equipment and Cyber Capabilities
The Latvian military has prioritized procurement of anti-tank missiles (Javelin, Spike), radars, UAVs, and secure communication systems. It also maintains a strong cyber defense component, supported by NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in nearby Estonia.
Why Latvia Is Still Ranked 114th
1. Limited Force Size and Indigenous Capacity
Latvia fields a small standing military with under 7,000 active troops, and lacks heavy armor, tactical aviation, or independent air defense systems, depending on NATO reinforcement for high-intensity operations.
2. No Strategic Mobility or Power Projection
The country has no airlift, combat air force, or expeditionary units, restricting its role to territorial defense and contributory deployments. All long-range response capability is outsourced to NATO’s integrated logistics.
3. High Dependence on External Support
Latvia’s operational doctrine assumes rapid NATO deployment in case of Russian aggression. This dependence, while realistic, places its autonomy and strategic flexibility below that of more self-sustaining militaries.
Conclusion
Latvia’s military posture is built around strategic integration, professional readiness, and forward deterrence, reflecting its role as a frontline NATO state. Despite its low force size, the quality of training, modernization efforts, and allied presence make it one of the most tactically prepared militaries per capita in Eastern Europe. Its global ranking reflects limitations in scale and autonomous capabilities, not its relevance or deterrent value within the broader Euro-Atlantic defense framework.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 7,000
Reserve Personnel: 14,000
Paramilitary Forces: 8,000 (National Guard)
Army Personnel: 5,000
Navy Personnel: 1,200
Air Force Personnel: 800
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 0
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 230+ (CVR(T), Patria)
Artillery Pieces (Towed & Self-Propelled): 50+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 0
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 4
Training Aircraft: 4+
Aircraft Breakdown:
An-2 Utility Aircraft: 2+
Mi-17 Helicopters: 4+
NATO member aircraft provide Baltic Air Policing from Šiauliai and Ämari air bases
Naval Forces
Warships: 8+
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol and Mine Countermeasure Vessels: 8+
Naval Vessel Breakdown:
Viesturs-class Minehunters: Active
Skrunda-class Patrol Vessels: 5
Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON) participation
Missile Capabilities
Latvia does not operate missile systems beyond short-range tactical weapons and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). It relies on NATO's strategic missile defense and air defense umbrella for national security.
Strategic Partnerships
Latvia is a member of NATO and the European Union and hosts multinational NATO battlegroups led by Canada. It also cooperates closely with Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United States. Latvia plays a key role in regional military planning and cyber defense initiatives under NATO’s enhanced forward presence.
Military History & Combat Experience
Latvia’s military history is shaped by its independence struggles, Soviet occupation, and modern post-NATO accession transformation. While not recently involved in conventional war, the Latvian military has participated in coalition operations and remains a key player in alliance-based defense drills.
War of Independence (1918–1920):
Following the collapse of the Russian Empire, Latvia fought against Soviet Red forces, German Freikorps, and local adversaries to secure its sovereignty. The modern military draws symbolic lineage from this period, emphasizing national resilience and self-determination.Soviet Occupation and Dissolution (1940–1991):
Latvia was forcibly absorbed into the Soviet Union, and its armed forces were dismantled. After independence in 1991, Latvia began rebuilding its military from scratch, focusing on NATO alignment and democratic control of the armed forces.Peacekeeping and NATO Deployments (2000s–present):
Latvia has contributed troops to missions in Iraq, Afghanistan (ISAF/Resolute Support), Kosovo (KFOR), and Mali (EU mission), developing operational experience in logistics, base security, and interoperability with NATO units.NATO Exercises and eFP Hosting (2017–present):
Since joining NATO in 2004, Latvia has hosted multinational battle groups, including annual Saber Strike, Iron Wolf, and Silver Arrow drills. These exercises focus on joint firepower, maneuver warfare, and rapid NATO reinforcement planning.
Latvia’s military history reflects a defense-oriented evolution from post-Soviet rebuilding to alliance-dependent deterrence. Though it lacks combat experience in full-scale wars, its forces are battle-trained, forward-positioned, and deeply integrated into NATO’s eastern security posture.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~1.8 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~650,000
Geographic Area: 64,589 km²
Land Boundaries: 1,150 km
Bordering Countries: Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia
Coastline: 498 km
Climate: Maritime; wet, moderate winters and cool summers
Terrain: Low plains and rolling hills, with extensive forests and lakes
Natural Resources: Peat, limestone, amber, arable land, forests
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$1.1 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~2.5%
GDP (PPP): ~$74 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$41,000
External Debt: ~$21 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Increasing to meet NATO commitments
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Reinstated conscription (from 2023); 11 months
Primary Defense Focus: Homeland defense, Baltic deterrence, NATO interoperability
Military Industry Base: Limited; electronics, logistics, maintenance
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Advanced for size; NATO-integrated
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided under Joint Headquarters of Latvian National Armed Forces
Missile Inventory Highlights: NASAMS, Mistral, Javelin, Excalibur, HIMARS (on order)
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: High; within 15–30 days
Reservist Force Size: ~35,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: No national program; partners with ESA
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB), Military Intelligence and Security Service
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: NATO, EU, Nordic and Baltic defense cooperation
Airports (Total): ~46
Major Military Airports: Lielvārde AB
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~60 vessels
Major Ports: Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja
Naval Infrastructure: Minehunters, coastal patrol vessels
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate for Baltic Sea operations
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~1,860 km
Roadways: ~73,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Diversified post-2022; LNG and EU grid
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Compliant with EU/IEA standards
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Small arms, electronics, vehicle maintenance
Military Installations (Domestic): Ādaži, Lielvārde, Liepāja
Military Installations (Overseas): NATO missions
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), U.S., Canada
Defense Alliances: NATO, EU
Strategic Airlift Capability: Shared NATO SAC, tactical fixed-wing aircraft
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Moderate
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Modest; electronic systems, cyber defense
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Rail logistics, port authorities, energy distribution
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Riga
Founding Date: November 18, 1918 (restored independence in 1991)
System of Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
