Sweden will press ahead with plans to send troops in Latvia as part of NATO forces in the Baltic countries, which share a land border with Russia and its ally Belarus, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said today, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
"This morning, the government made an official decision to entrust the armed forces with the task of preparing the Swedish contribution to a reduced battalion," Kristershon said at a press conference together with his Latvian counterpart Evika Silinja.
"The aim is to have these forces operational from early next year."
Stockholm's contribution will include Leopard armored vehicles and tanks, Kristershon added.
The Scandinavian country joined NATO last month, becoming the military alliance's 32nd member, abandoning its decade-long policy of non-alignment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden has already said it aims to provide a reduced mechanized battalion for the deployment of NATO forces in Latvia as early as next year, troops designed to deter and defend against possible attacks, but the final decision will depend on NATO membership.
Sweden's armed forces had already said that the country could send about 600 military personnel to Latvia.