As the LETA agency was informed by the Minister's Advisor Signe Znotiņa-Znota, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and US European Command Commander General Alexus Grinkevičius informed about the start of the NATO military operation on Friday.

The mission aims to strengthen airspace security, air defense capabilities, and the presence of allies in the eastern flank countries, including Latvia.

Braže pointed out that this mission is NATO's response to Russia's growing unconventional threat and incidents, such as Russian drones entering the airspace of NATO countries and being neutralized.

"This is a decisive and coordinated action to strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities of countries on the Alliance's eastern border," the Foreign Minister emphasized.

She welcomes NATO's Operation Baltic Sentry, launched in January, which aims to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Braže stressed that there have been no underwater incidents since the mission began.

The Latvian Foreign Minister noted that SACEUR also welcomed Latvia's commitment to allocate 5% of its gross domestic product to strengthening security and defense capabilities in 2026.