Latvia will observe the 108th anniversary of its independence on November 18 with a grand military parade on the 11th of November Embankment in Riga.
The event, scheduled for 13:30, will showcase the capabilities of the National Armed Forces, allied units, and state security services.
The parade will be commanded by Captain Gvido Ļaudups, Commander of the Naval Forces. Reviewing the troops will be President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the National Armed Forces, alongside Minister of Defence Raivis Melnis and Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Kaspars Pudāns.
The parade highlights the unity of NATO allies and the armed forces. Latvian forces will include the Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the National Defence Academy, and all four brigades of the National Guard.
The parade will feature extensive military hardware, ranging from combat vehicles to specialized emergency response equipment. Allied armor, including Italian “Centauro” vehicles and Spanish “Leopard” tanks, will be on display alongside Latvian “Patria” 6×6 armored personnel carriers and M109 self-propelled howitzers.
Weather permitting, an aerial display will feature Latvian and allied helicopters, including UH-60 “Black Hawk” and “CH-146 Griffon” aircraft. An “airBaltic” Airbus A220-300 painted in the colors of the Latvian flag will fly over the embankment. The display will conclude with a flyover by NATO Baltic Air Policing jets from Belgium, which shows the alliance's commitment to regional security.
Citizens can view a static exhibition of military equipment at the Riga Passenger Port on November 18 from 11:00 to 16:00. The display will feature five Latvian Naval Force ships and the Lithuanian patrol ship “Skalvis.” Visitors will have the opportunity to view specialized equipment, including underwater robots used in mine searching and neutralization and various land-based tactical vehicles.
A 21-gun salute, performed by the 17th Combat Support Battalion of the National Guard, will take place from the AB Dam to honor the anniversary. A general rehearsal for the parade is scheduled for November 17 at 18:00 on the 11th of November Embankment.