U.S. soldiers conduct firearm training with members of the Latvian air force at Adazi Military Training Area, Latvia, on March 13, 2026. During the training, U.S. crews helped establish Latvia’s aerial gunnery program, with Latvian soldiers training and qualifying on the M240H machine gun from UH-60 Black Hawks using the same standards as U.S. crews. (Dean Johnson/U.S. Army)
Latvian Black Hawk crews, assisted by U.S. Army aviators, were put to the test this month when they carried out their first aerial gunnery, adding a new combat capability along NATO’s eastern flank.
The effort reflects a broader push by the U.S. to help frontline allies in the Baltics build up their capabilities in a region where concerns about potential Russian aggression run high.
The Latvians are preparing to add the M240H machine gun to their arsenal. Before that happens, they need to learn the finer points of using the weapon for air combat.
“This task is a completely new line of effort in our mission-essential task list, and we will be able to complete those tasks on our own,” said Latvian air force Commander Col. Viesturs Masulis.
Building up aviation firepower has been an area of focus for Latvia as it moves to close capability gaps and build a force able to move with speed in a crisis.
A U.S. soldier conducts aerial gunnery training with members of the Latvian Air Force at Adazi Military Training Area, Latvia, on March 18, 2026. The training marked the first time Latvian forces conducted aerial gunnery training. (Dean Johnson/U.S. Army)
The U.S. Army’s 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, operating out of Latvia’s Camp Adazi, led the training initiative.
Before firing from the aircraft, crews train on weapons handling and safety procedures, including clearing weapons and maintaining proper firing direction.
Once airborne, door gunners engage ground targets while working closely with pilots to safely execute the mission.
“They fly, fight and maintain their aircraft to the same standards as we do, so we are going to take them out and train them on aerial gunnery to those standards,” said Maj. Aaron Koser with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade’s Task Force Vipers.
For U.S. crews, the training also provides an opportunity to refine their own skills.
“This allows us to get an external look on how we train,” Koser explained. “You not only pick up new tactics, techniques and procedures, but it allows you to get feedback.”
