The Baltic Defence Study Trip (BDST) 2024 of the Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) 2024-2025 occurred from 18-20 November 2024.

The BDST 2024 detailed how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania approach modern security challenges. Through the lens of military preparedness, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation, participants gained valuable insights into the defence strategies of these nations. From Estonia’s cyber expertise and Latvia’s regional cooperation to Lithuania’s focus on modernization and cultural resilience, the trip highlighted these Baltic states' essential roles in ensuring NATO’s collective security and addressing evolving global threats.

Estonia: Cyber and Military Resilience

The Estonia segment of the trip provided a deep dive into its cutting-edge cyber capabilities and military preparedness.

Participants explored NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) at the Tapa base, focusing on the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) unit. This visit highlighted Estonia’s commitment to NATO deterrence strategies and its readiness to counter potential threats in the region.

The visit to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) showcased Estonia’s expertise in cybersecurity. Participants received an overview of cyberspace as a battlefield and how Estonia contributes to NATO’s defence strategies in this domain.

Several briefings provided insights into Estonia’s defence planning and the Estonian Defense League’s critical role in integrating national defence with civic identity.

Latvia: A Stronghold of Regional and International Cooperation

The Latvia segment of the trip offered a comprehensive view of its military organization, strategic planning, and cultural heritage.

On 18 November, the delegation attended the Latvian Independence Day military parade in Rīga, celebrating the nation’s resilience and military traditions. The day also included visiting the Latvian War Museum, where participants explored artefacts and exhibits documenting Latvia’s struggle for independence and critical historical events.

During this trip, participants engaged in a series of briefings at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Rīga and also visited the Saeima (Parliament) and met with the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee Deputy Chairman, who explained the workings of the Defence, Internal Affairs, and Corruption Prevention Committee. The day concluded at the Latvian Presidential Palace, where national security strategies and future challenges were discussed. The delegation also travelled to Military Base Ādaži to explore the organization and missions of Latvia’s military forces.

Lithuania: Bridging Defence Strategy and Cultural Identity

Lithuania offered a comprehensive exploration of its defence strategy, military modernization, and cultural resilience.

The delegation visited the President’s Palace for a briefing where Lithuania’s security strategy, modernization efforts, and international military cooperation were discussed. Subsequent visits to the Ministry of National Defence (MoND) included briefings on economic aspects of defence policy and societal attitudes toward the armed forces. The day ended with a guided cultural tour of Vilnius, including the Hill of Crosses, a symbol of Lithuanian resilience and unity. The next day, participants visited the Lithuanian Defence Staff for mobilization, crisis management, and NATO force integration briefings.

During this trip, the delegation also explored the Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania’s primary air force facility, and received insights into the Baltic Air Policing mission.


BALTDEFCOL thanks everyone who organised and supported this year's BDST!