Spanish NASAMS ADA Unit Deployed in Latvia Provides Air Defence for Critical Baltic Infrastructure

 As part of Exercise Latvian Shield I-25 (LASH I-25), led by Spain, the Spanish NASAMS-based Air Defence Artillery Unit (ADAU) is providing protection for the Riga Hydroelectric Power Station, a key piece of national infrastructure

The NASAMS ADAU, operating under NATO’s F-E IAMD Persistent Effort mission, has not only led the exercise but also conducted its first deployment beyond its usual station at Lielvārde Air Base. This operation contributes directly to the air defence of the Baltic state and, more broadly, to the security of NATO’s eastern flank.

The objective of LASH I-25 is to ensure air defence coverage for the Riga Hydroelectric Plant. To that end, the unit’s fire core was deployed in proximity to the facility, supported by a communications team which established a satellite link for full integration into NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).

In addition to the Spanish unit, the exercise included participation from Baltic Air Policing fighter assets, as well as rotary-wing platforms from the United States, Canada, and Latvia. The Latvian Air Force’s Air Defence Battalion played a leading role in the training event.

During the first phase of the exercise, the NASAMS ADAU executed the movement and deployment of its assets in coordination with Latvia’s Movement Control Centre (MOVCON), culminating in full satellite-based integration into NATINAMDS.

The second phase comprised various tactical training activities simulating an enemy air offensive using fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft against the protected site. During this stage, Latvian civil and military authorities, including Major General Egils Leščinskis, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff, visited the deployed unit. The visit was covered by Latvian and NATO media outlets.

In his address, Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Merchán, commander of the Spanish NASAMS ADAU, remarked: ‘This exercise represents an excellent opportunity to improve our training and fine-tune our capabilities, ensuring we are ready to deploy anywhere in Latvia where air defence reinforcement is required.’ He also highlighted that operating outside the base ‘allows us to showcase our work and be closer to those we serve, which is a great source of motivation.’

In response, Colonel Viesturs Masulis, Chief of the Latvian Air Force, thanked the Spanish unit for ‘this historic deployment near the Riga Hydroelectric Power Plant, which sends a clear message to Latvian society: NATO forces can deploy swiftly and effectively anywhere on Latvian territory to ensure resilience and the continuity of daily life.’

In the third and final phase of the exercise, the ADAU conducted a tactical redeployment back to Lielvārde Air Base, where it continues to contribute to the air defence of allied airspace.

Latvian Shield I-25 is intended to be the first in a biannual series of exercises designed to demonstrate the NASAMS ADAU’s readiness and capacity to deploy anywhere within Latvia as part of NATO operations, supporting the defence of critical infrastructure and high-profile national events.

Operation 'Persistent Effort'

The Spanish NASAMS ADAU deployed at Lielvārde Air Base forms part of NATO’s Persistent Effort mission, which currently also includes the Tigru detachment — operating a radar unit from Spain’s Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA) in Romania — and a PATRIOT missile battery deployed in Turkiye. 

Spain’s participation in the protection of NATO’s eastern flank underscores the country’s firm commitment to the Alliance and stands as a clear demonstration of solidarity with our Allies. It reflects our shared values in defence of democracy, freedom, and global security.