The Spanish contingent deployed in Slovakia will take part in the Parade of the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising

• On 29 August, some of the Spanish forces deployed in Slovakia will participate in this major historical event for the Slovak people.

A representation of the Spanish contingent deployed in Slovakia will participate in the Parade of the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising next 29 August. This event will be held in the town of Banská Bystrica.

The Paratroopers Brigade (BRIPAC, in Spanish) will be in charge of carrying the National Ensign, accompanied by an Honours Company formed by personnel from all the parachute units with presence in Lešť. This motorised parade will count with an outstanding presence of VAMTAC type combat vehicles, mortar carrier vehicles, L118 105 mm Light Gun artillery, and ‘Centauro’ combat and reconnaissance (VCR-105) vehicles.

The Slovak National Uprising, which took place in August 1944, was an armed revolt against the German occupation forces and the Slovak collaborationist government during World War II. Despite its suffocated end, the events became a symbol of Slovakia’s resistance. This event is considered one of the most heroic chapters of modern Slovak history and is celebrated every year with great solemnity.

This year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary, the Slovak institutions have greatly devoted themselves to the parade’s organisation, which will count with the participation of more than 3,000 troops and 200 vehicles of the Slovak Army, becoming the largest military parade in its most recent history.

The participation of the Spanish military forces in this parade is not only a testimony of the existing military cooperation between both nations, but also a symbol of national commitment to peace and stability in Europe.

Spain’s military presence in Slovakia

Last 15 July, the BRIPAC took over the command of the Alliance’s Multinational Brigade in Slovakia. The Spanish contribution to this multinational brigade translates into the presence in Slovakian territory of near 800 troops and more than 200 different types of vehicles. It is the largest international deployment of the Armed Forces to date.

With the deployment of the F-E/SVK II contingent, Spain demonstrates its value as a responsible partner and allied country, committed to the NATO’s defence objectives. This contribution of the forces, providing support and enhanced forward presence on the eastern flank of the NATO, provides evidence of the firm commitment of Spain and its Armed Forces to our allies and its determined contribution to the deterrence efforts of the Alliance in Eastern Europe, and more concretely in Slovakia.

This commitment also enables to maintain a high level of training and interoperability of all the deployed capabilities. The Lešť area, where the Spanish forces are deployed, facilitates to a great extent the instruction and training of the units, thanks to the extensive manoeuvre field. Within the latter, other allied nations are integrated, collaborate and receive training who, under the Spanish command, complete the capabilities of the operational group deployed. Among them, the contribution of the Portuguese armoured units and the Czech mechanised units should be highlighted.