Kaspars Pudāns

Kaspars Pudāns (born March 23, 1976) is a senior Latvian military officer who serves as the Commander of the Joint Headquarters of the Latvian National Armed Forces. He assumed command on January 27, 2025, succeeding Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš. Prior to his appointment, served as the Commander of the Latvian National Guard from 2023 to 2025.

Early life and education Pudāns was born on March 23, 1976, in Jēkabpils. He enlisted in the Latvian National Armed Forces in 1994. He attended the National Defence Academy of Latvia, graduating in 1998 with a commission as an infantry platoon leader and a degree in law. He went on to pursue further academic qualifications, earning a master's degree in Comprehensive Quality Management from Riga Technical University in 2012.

Commander of the Armed Forces In late 2024, Major General Pudāns was nominated to succeed Leonīds Kalniņš commander of the armed forces and on December 19, 2024, the Saeima confirmed his appointment unanimously. He officially assumed the post on January 27, 2025. On June 18, 2026, President Edgars Rinkēvičs issued an order promoting Pudāns to the rank of lieutenant general, the highest attainable rank in the Latvian military.

Awards and honors Order of Viesturs, 3rd Class (Latvia, 2020) Commander First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland (Finland, 2025) Latvian National Armed Forces Commander's Honorary Badge Commendation from the Latvian Minister of Defence

Personal life Pudāns is married and has three daughters. In addition to his native Latvian, he is fluent in English, French, and Russian. His hobbies include historical literature, jogging, and stand-up paddleboarding.