Major General Kaspars Pudāns
Chief of Defence – Latvia
2025
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 | |