Spanish engineers take part in NATO exercise, ‘Verboom’

• Latvian Multinational Brigade engineers work together to protect the eastern flank in exercise, ‘Verboom’.

Spanish engineers deployed in NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) mission in Latvia have participated in the 'Verboom' exercise together with Latvian, Italian Canadian, Danish, British, American, Lithuanian and Albanian engineers.

During the exercise, an obstacle plan was planned and executed, which tested and analyzed the most up-to-date technical tactics and procedures in terms of laying combined obstacles. In addition, another cornerstone of the exercise was the opening of breaches and the use of explosives, bridging and earthworks for the benefit of mobility. Although the main work has consisted of mobility and counter-mobility, force protection activities have also been carried out.

This exercise demonstrates the intention to work together among NATO members deployed on the eastern flank and highlights the capabilities of Spanish engineers deployed in this operational area.

This exercise demonstrates the intention to work together among NATO members deployed on the eastern flank and highlights the capabilities of Spanish engineers deployed in this operational area.

NATO's forward presence

NATO's military presence on the Alliance's eastern flank is a key element of its enhanced deterrence and defense commitment, which has increased in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area. The forward presence of allied forces is defensive, proportionate, transparent and, ultimately, in line with the Alliance's international commitments and obligations.

NATO's forward presence comprises eight multinational battle groups, contributed by framework countries and other contributing allies on a voluntary, fully sustainable and rotational basis.

NATO allies' troops and personnel currently train and exercise together in the east of the Alliance, a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Forces from contributing countries rotate in and out of battle groups; and may be deployed in the area of operations or stationed in their home countries with the ability to deploy rapidly, if necessary.

Spanish participation in Latvia

The main assets contributed by Spain to the NATO Battlegroup in Latvia are the "Leopard 2E" tanks, the "Pizarro" Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICV) and a NASAMS Air Defense Unit (ADU). It also provides additional capabilities with a Field Artillery Unit, an Engineer Unit and logistic support elements.

In addition, Spain contributes with other mechanized units such as the M-113 Tracked Armored Carrier (TOA), heavy mortars, sapper combat vehicles (VCZ) and "Spike" anti-tank missiles. It is also worth mentioning the contribution of units that substantially improve the combat capacity of the Tactical Subgroup, such as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and a “Raven” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

In addition, Spain contributes with other mechanized units such as the M-113 Tracked Armored Carrier (TOA), heavy mortars, sapper combat vehicles (VCZ) and "Spike" anti-tank missiles. It is also worth mentioning the contribution of units that substantially improve the combat capacity of the Tactical Subgroup, such as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and a “Raven” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).