Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia conducts Transfer of Command Authority
Press Release
June 10, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia conducted a Transfer of Command Authority today at Ādaži Military Base, Latvia, as Colonel Kristopher Reeves formally transferred command to Colonel David Brassard.
Colonel Brassard is the third Canadian to take command following the full standup of NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia in 2024. This continuity of Canadian leadership underscores Canada’s enduring commitment to NATO’s collective defence and deterrence posture on the Alliance’s eastern flank.
Under Colonel Reeves’ leadership, the Brigade continued to grow into a modern, capable, and highly integrated multinational formation composed of personnel from fourteen NATO nations. Over the past year, the Brigade has strengthened its interoperability, increased its readiness, and enhanced its operational expertise among Allies and partner nations.
To support the expanded Brigade footprint, in coordination with the Latvian Government and NATO, Canada has made significant investments in infrastructure and military capabilities across Latvia over the last two years. These efforts have included the establishment of Camp Labrie within the Ceri Military Base complex south of Riga, which offers additional accommodations and logistics support for deployed personnel in Latvia.
Canadian investments in Lielvārde Air Base, located southeast of Riga in central Latvia, including a recent groundbreaking on over 60 million euros (more than $95 million CAD) worth of infrastructure projects, have strengthened the Brigade’s ability to deploy and sustain forces across the region.
The Brigade’s continued development reflects Canada’s broader commitment to strengthen defence capabilities and increase investments in security at home and abroad, including the procurement and delivery of equipment such as the Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles and the Saab RBS 70 NG anti-air system. As Canada continues to increase investments in defence, the expansion and modernization of its military presence in Latvia remains a key component of this commitment to Euro-Atlantic security.
As Colonel Brassard assumes command of NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia, Canadians will continue to lead the way in maintaining readiness, deepening cooperation with Latvian and Allied forces, and contributing to NATO’s deterrence and defence mission in the Baltic region.
Quotes
“Today’s transfer of command authority of NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia reflects Canada’s steadfast leadership on NATO’s eastern flank and our enduring commitment to NATO’s collective defence and deterrence posture. Under Colonel Reeves’ command, the Multinational Brigade has significantly advanced its readiness and integration. I am confident that Colonel Brassard will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring the Multinational Brigade remains a credible and capable warfighting force to deter Russian aggression, safeguard NATO's eastern flank, and reinforce NATO collective defense.’’
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“Over the past year, this brigade has proven what it means to operate as a truly multinational force: professional, integrated, and prepared alongside our Latvian partners. The work done by our soldiers and staff across every contributing nation has built a strong formation that is united in purpose, and this Transfer of Command Authority reflects that continuity. Above all, the brigade remains ready to build on that foundation of cohesion and capability moving forward.”
Colonel Kris Reeves, Outgoing Commander of NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia
“It is a great honour to take command of Multinational Brigade Latvia at a time when the strength of this formation is clearly visible. I am excited to build on the work of those who came before, and we will continue to deepen our integration with Latvian and Allied forces. Our focus moving forward is to maintain that momentum, ensuring the brigade remains cohesive, professional, and fully prepared to contribute to the defence of Latvia and the Alliance.”
Colonel David Brassard, Incoming Commander of NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia
Quick facts
Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed in Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE. Most of these members serve with NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia, for which Canada is the framework nation.
NATO Multinational Brigade – Latvia includes military personnel from over a third of NATO’s nations working together under a unified command structure.
Camp Labrie, located within the Ceri Military Base complex south of Riga, has undergone significant infrastructure expansion to support the Brigade’s growth and long-term operational requirements.
Canadian Armed Forces personnel have expanded operations and infrastructure usage at Lielvārde Air Base in support of enhanced multinational activities.
To date, Canada has invested more than 315 million euros (more than $500 million CAD) in infrastructure in Latvia through Operation REASSURANCE.
Canada continues to increase defence investments to strengthen readiness, modernize capabilities, and reinforce commitments to NATO collective defence.
Canada has maintained a military presence in Latvia since 2017 as part of the NATO forward presence on the Alliance’s eastern flank.