Major General Kaspars Pudāns

Chief of Defence – Latvia
2025

  • Last updated: 05 Feb. 2025 09:23

Major General Kaspars Pudāns was born on March 23, 1976, in Jēkabpils, Latvia. He is an experienced military leader with over 25 years of service in the National Armed Forces. He currently serves as the Chief of Defence of Republic of Latvia, a position he assumed on January 27, 2025. His career has been closely associated with military strategy, operational planning and leadership, intelligence, and international cooperation.

Major General Pudāns holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from the National Defence Academy of Latvia and a Master's degree in Comprehensive Quality Management from Riga Technical University. He has completed several prestigious military education programs, including courses at the Baltic Defence College and NATO institutions.

Throughout his career, Major General Kaspars Pudāns has held various leadership positions, including Commander of the National Guard, Head of the Intelligence Department of the Joint Staff and Head of the Operational Planning Division of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces. He has also represented Latvia in NATO missions in Afghanistan and served at the Latvian Military Representation to NATO/EU in Brussels.

His native language is Latvian, and he is fluent in English, French, and Russian, enabling him to communicate effectively in international settings and foster cooperation with representatives from different countries.

Major General Pudāns has received numerous awards, including the Order of Viesturs, the National Armed Forces Commander’s Honorary Badge, and a commendation from the Minister of Defence. His contributions to Latvia's military security and development are widely recognized both nationally and internationally.

He is married and the father of three daughters, exemplifying his ability to balance high professional achievements with family life. Major General Kaspars Pudāns enjoys historical literature, jogging, and stand-up paddleboarding.

 

Name, family name Kaspars Pudāns
Miltary rank Major General (OF-7)
Positon Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Born 1976, in Jēkabpils, Latvia
   

Military service

From 27.01.2025. Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvi
2023 – 2025 Commander of the National Guard of Latvia/ Zemessardze
2021 – 2023 Commander, Zemessardze 1st Riga Brigade
2018 – 2021 Chief Intelligence department (J-2), Joint Headquarters
2016 – 2018 Chief Operations branch (J-3 Ops), Joint Headquarters
2015 – 2016 Chief Plans and Operations branch (G-3/7), Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade Headquarters
2015 Deputy of the Latvian contingent commander, NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan
2010 – 2014 several leading positions in the Plans and Operations branch (G-3/7), Land Forces Infantry Brigade Headquarters
2007 – 2010 Staff Officer, Latvian Military representation to NATO and EU/Brussels, Belgium
2003 – 2007 Staff Officer, Operations department (J-3), Joint Headquarters
1998 – 2003 Training and Operational staff, National Guard Command
1998 Training Instructor, National Guard Training center
   

Military education

2021 Baltic Defense College, Estonia – Higher Command Studies Course
2013 – 2014 Baltic Defense College, Estonia – Joint Command and General Staff Course
2013 General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy, Lithuania – Army Command and Staff Course
2007 École d’État-major, France – Staff Officer Course
2002 École d’Application d’Infanterie, France – Company Commanders Course
1999 Army Infantry School, U.S. – Infantry Basic Officer Course
1995 – 1998 National Defence Academy, Latvia – Infantry platoon leader
   

Education

Bachelor in Law, National defence Academy, 1998
Master in Quality Management, Riga Technical University, 2012
 

Languages

Latvian, English, French, Russian