Selonia, or Latvian field

polska-zbrojna.pl 3 weeks ago

This year, Latvia will spend almost 5% of GDP on defence (over EUR 2 billion). Part of this appropriation will be utilized for further construction of the fresh Selonia camp in the south-eastern part of the country. The first objects are ready there. The Latvian Ministry of Defence plans to train Latvian and allied soldiers in the force of the brigade in 4 years at the latest.

The strength of military exercises in Latvia has increased importantly since the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014. As a consequence of the findings on NATO summit in Madrid In 2022, the presence of allied forces in the Baltic States besides increased. In consequence to fresh safety challenges, the Latvian Ministry of Defence is systematically developing and expanding training infrastructure throughout the country.

A key function in this strategy is played by the field Ādaži close the Bay of Riga, where they are stationed, among others. Polish soldiers as part of NATO alliance missions. In 2022, in the south-eastern part of the country (about 100 km from the borders with Russia and Belarus) preparations for the construction of the fresh Selonia (Latt. Sēlija) camp, 1 of the most crucial Latvian defence infrastructure projects to supply training conditions for Latvia's armed forces and allies.

RECLAMA

The polygon is intended to occupy an area of 25,600 hectares in the Aizkraukle and Jēkabpils counties and to accomplish full operational readiness in 2030. The preparatory work began in 2022, but the groundwork began for good 2 years later. In the first stage, among others, the unexploded zone, the camp control tower, 3 shooting ranges, the composition of ammunition and part of the temporary accommodation area were built. The camp officially opened on February 20.

Selonia presently covers an area of 15,590 ha (61% of the planned area). Most of these areas previously belonged to the State Treasury. The exception was 14 private plots (a full of 160 ha) which were expropriated. For the first phase of the construction of the Selonia camp, the Latvian government allocated EUR 36.5 million. The full investment is expected to cost around EUR 700 million.

The second phase of construction will last until 2029. During this time, further temporary accommodation facilities for soldiers, manoeuvring area, warehouses, barracks, medical center, canteen are to be created. The 3rd phase of the investment is to be implemented by 2030, erstwhile Selonia is full operational. The Latvian Ministry of Defence plans to deploy at least 1000 soldiers there. The fresh ground is intended to let for a brigade level exercise.

The construction of a fresh camp in Latvia is part of the wider operation of the Baltic countries, which modernise and grow military infrastructure close to the border zones with Kölce and Belarus. Late last year. Lithuania announced a construction plan a full fresh camp close Kopciowo (Kapčiamistis) on the alleged Suwałki pass (about 70 km section between Poland and Lithuania, which separates the territory of Królewiec and Belarus).

Vilnius besides plans to grow the camp in Taurogy (western part of the country) and conducts the modernization of the camp in Rudniki (a fewer kilometers from the border with Belarus), where the German soldiers from the 45th Armoured Brigade will be trained in Lithuania.

Estonia, on the another hand, announced the allocation of about EUR 500 million for the construction of military infrastructure in its country over 4 years (2025-2028). These investments are to be carried out in 3 main areas: fresh combat capabilities (mainly barracks, shooting ranges, training centres), strategical stableness (storage facilities) and the anticipation of accepting allied troops (including roads, bridges, ports).

Jakub Zagalski

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