About Academy

About Academy

The National Defence Academy of Latvia is the state educational establishment of higher education in Riga, Latvia. It has continually sought to be at the forefront of professional military education to ensure its graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges they will face throughout their careers in war and peace. 

It was established on 13 February 1992 as the Academy of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Latvia. It builds on the historic traditions of the pre-WWII Latvian School of War. It is the only military academy in Latvia. The Latvian Armed Forces also contribute to and utilize the Baltic Defence College in Tartu.

The main campus of the university is located in Riga – the capital of Latvia. Latvian National Defense Academy (NAA) is one of the best educational institutions in the country consistently demonstrating a high level of teaching. Despite being one of the youngest educational institutions, Latvian National Defense Academy (NAA) it ranks in the national ratings of Latvia.

Studying Programs

• Land Force Military Leadership
• Naval Force Military Leadership
• Air Force Military Leadership
• Commanding Officer Training
• Military Leadership and Security

Research Units

The National Defence Academy of Latvia (NDAL) Center for Defence Research (Center) was established in 1992 as a part of the NDAL. Since September 2012 the Center has been in a reform process with changes in personnel and operating principles. The Center was renamed the Center for Security and Strategic Research in 2014.

The main aim of the Center is to create and maintain a progressive, viable, and vibrant academic environment in the NDAL in order to ensure the development of the Academy and a favorable environment for the educational process of the Latvian armed forces officer corps. Center for Defence Research takes part in integrating internationally recognized academic and research environments and organizing public events (seminars, discussions, conferences) to raise public awareness about the security and defense issues in Latvia.