Major exercises at the airport: 'Omega' and SUB demonstrate high readiness, backed by EU-supported units development

In February, the State Police counter-terrorism unit OMEGA and the Special Task Battalion (SUB) participated in their annual training exercises at RIX Riga Airport. The drills focused on hostage rescue from an aircraft, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, and refining crisis response protocols.

Effective counter-terrorism operations are impossible without close partnership. Consequently, several agencies worked side-by-side during the exercise:

• The Special Tasks Unit of the National Armed Forces Special Operations Command (SPECOP);

• The State Security Service;

• The State Border Guard’s special operations service “Sigma”;

• RIX Riga Airport and the national airline airBaltic.

The exercises were conducted in strict adherence to peacetime safety procedures and speed limits within the Riga Airport territory.

Such drills are critical not only for maintaining the skills of operational personnel but also for strengthening the overall national security architecture. It is important to highlight that continuous professional growth is inseparable from international financial investment—significant support from European Union (EU) funds has been decisive for the development and capacity building of "Omega" and the Special Task Battalion, enabling these units to reach the highest international standards.