The Spanish Armed Forces are deployed in 17 missions abroad and it is foreseen that by 2021, the highest number of troops simultaneously deployed will not exceed 2,900, excluding occasional adjustments in some of the missions depending on requirements such as those derived from the temporary exercise of command over international forces, or due to the health and security situation.
The largest contingents are in Lebanon, with over 600 blue helmets, and in Mali, with almost 400 troops. Within NATO, they monitor the waters of the Mediterranean and take part in the defense of the Baltic countries and Turkey.
Spain is also present in all the military missions that the European Union carries out on the African continent, with deployments in Mali, Central African Republic, Somalia, and Senegal, as well as in EUNAVFOR Atalanta operation, which aims to prevent piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The following map shows the participation of Spanish military units and observers in operations abroad:
INTERACTIVE MAP: Click on each mission to learn more.
Summary of deployments where Spain is involved
Location | Mission | Starting | Command |
---|---|---|---|
Baltic Countries | Baltic Air Policing | May-2018 | ![]() |
Romania | enhanced Air Policing | Feb-2021 | ![]() |
Central African Republic | EUTM RCA | Jul-2016 | ![]() |
Somalia | EUTM Somalia | Jan-2010 | ![]() |
Mali | EUTM Mali | Jan-2013 | ![]() |
Iraq | Inherent Resolve | Oct-2014 | ![]() |
Senegal | Marfil Detachment | Jan-2013 | ![]() |
Indian Ocean | EUNAVFOR Atalanta | Sep-2008 | ![]() |
Turkey | Support to Turkey | Sep-2014 | ![]() |
Bosnia i Herzegovina | EUFOR Althea BiH | Dec-2004 | ![]() |
Mediterranean Sea | Standing NATO Maritime Groups and Counter-Mine | Jan-2017 | ![]() |
Lebanon | UNIFIL | Sep-2006 | ![]() |
Colombia | UN Colombia | Aug-2012 | ![]() |
Latvia | Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) | Jun-2017 | ![]() |
Afghanistan | Resolute Support (Afghanistan) | Jan-2015 | ![]() |
Several operation areas | Sea Guardian (check activation periods) |
Nov-2016 | ![]() |
Varias zonas | SEGURIDAD COOPERATIVA ACTIVIDADES DIPLOMATICAS (consultar periodos de activación) |
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Militares españoles lideran el ejercicio principal de integración con UNIFIL en el Sector Este del Líbano
2021/02/26En Líbano
More informationFrigate 'Cristóbal Colón' takes part in exercise Dynamic Manta 2021
2021/02/25At sea
More informationSpanish contingent in Latvia takes part in exercise 'Wolverine Forger'
2021/02/23Latvia
More informationBRILIB Engineering Unit collaborates in the cleaning of roads after the blizzard
2021/02/22Lebanon
More informationMinehunter ‘Tajo’ is integrated into Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2
2021/02/22Tuzla, (Turkey)
More information