Construction of test fortifications is underway at the Selija military training ground near Jekabpils, along the Daugava River, Latvia's public broadcaster LTV reported Wednesday. The site, covering more than 62,000 acres, is the largest military training area in the Baltics and is capable of accommodating large NATO allied units.
Engineering troops and combat engineers are leading the effort, erecting test bunkers, trenches, armored positions and anti-tank obstacles — heavy concrete barriers known as "dragon's teeth".
"The Baltic defense line test is a unique opportunity to practice everything before we start building anything more on the border, and there is no time to improvise on the spot", said Capt. Roberts Zarins of the Latvian National Guard.
The exercise is a precursor to the Baltic Defense Line, a joint project among Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia signed by the three countries' defense ministers in Riga in 2024. The line is intended to strengthen NATO's eastern flank against potential incursion from Russia or Belarus.
Once completed, the Baltic line is envisioned as connecting with Poland's "East Shield" fortification project. The Selija range, significantly expanded in recent years, will eventually be able to house approximately 2,000 soldiers after further infrastructure development.
(jh)
Source: PAP