# Four Italian Soldiers Wounded by Friendly Fire During Training Accident at Latvia’s Ādaži Base

*Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 6:16 AM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-09-27T06:16:01.209Z (1h ago)
**Category**: conflict | **Region**: Eastern Europe
**Importance**: 7/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/18943.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: A training incident at Latvia’s Ādaži military base left four Italian troops wounded when a Dardo armored vehicle accidentally fired its machine gun at another Dardo, prompting a hospital evacuation and the launch of a formal investigation.

A live-fire exercise at Latvia’s Ādaži military base turned into a serious accident when Italian soldiers in one armored vehicle unintentionally opened fire on another, injuring four of their own.

According to the account provided, the incident occurred during military maneuvers involving Italian Dardo armored vehicles. One Dardo’s crew accidentally fired its machine gun at a second Dardo of the same type. Four Italian servicemembers were wounded and taken to hospital. No further details on their conditions were included in the available report.

Latvian and Italian authorities have begun an investigation into how the friendly-fire burst occurred. Investigators will be looking at whether human error, technical malfunction, or flaws in the exercise plan led to live rounds being directed at a friendly vehicle.

The Dardo is designed to transport infantry and provide fire support with weapons including machine guns. On a training range, crews rely on strict procedures and clear communication to keep that fire pointed only where it’s intended. When those safeguards fail, even briefly, the same systems meant to protect troops on a battlefield can seriously injure them in peacetime.

Ādaži base is a central training site for foreign contingents in Latvia. The incident highlights the risks that come with realistic exercises using live ammunition. It raises questions for commanders about how to balance the need for combat-ready training with measures to prevent avoidable casualties.

Important signals to watch now are the findings of the formal investigation and any announced changes to live-fire procedures for future exercises involving Dardo vehicles or similar equipment at Ādaži and other bases.