Ongoing operations
Handover ceremony for the Spanish contingent of NATO's Multinational Battle Group deployed to Latvia
In Adazi, Latvia
December 13, 2024
- The 16th Spanish rotation starts its mission at the Adazi base as part of the mission to protect the Alliance's eastern flank
The sixteenth Spanish rotation XVI of the Spanish contingent of the Multinational Battle Group in Latvia, under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS), has relieved contingent XV, which thus concludes six months of deployment at the Adazi base. Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Quintián Frade thus assumes responsibility for the mission that Spain has been carrying out in Latvia since 2017.
During the ceremony, the outgoing Lieutenant Colonel Juan Antonio González Vergara thanked the contingent for their effort and dedication during their deployment in Latvia, while wishing success to the contingent that begins its mission. He also encouraged them to maintain the level of effort and continue with the legacy of the seven years of Spanish military deployment in Latvia.
The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Operations Command (JEMMOPS), Vice Admiral Alfonso Delgado Moreno. In his speech, the admiral encouraged the new members to show their worth ‘through daily effort, spirit of service and comradeship’, and asked them to ‘focus and commitment to the mission and to your commanders’.
Among other contributions, during its deployment, the Spanish contingent XV has participated in numerous multinational exercises, including ‘Resolute Warrior’ and ‘Silver Arrow’. The latter was part of the ‘NAMEJS24’ exercise, the main exercise of the Latvian Army. On the other hand, the Spanish contingent of NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia conducted its first major field exercise as a full brigade, which took place from 1 to 14 November 2024 in the Latvian regions of Vidzeme and Zemgale.
This mission demonstrates Spain's commitment, through its Armed Forces, to our allies, as well as Spain's determined contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.
NATO's forward presence
NATO's military presence on the Alliance's Eastern Front is a key element of the Alliance's enhanced deterrence and defence commitment, which has grown in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO's 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, representing a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Forces from contributing countries rotate in and out of battle groups; they may be deployed in the area of operations or stationed in their home countries with the capacity to deploy rapidly if required.
Spanish participation in Latvia
The main assets contributed by Spain to the NATO Battle Group in Latvia are the ‘Leopard 2E’ battle tanks, the ‘Pizarro’ Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICV) and a NASAMS Air Defence Unit (ADU). It also contributes additional capabilities with a Field Artillery Unit, an Engineer Unit and logistical support elements.
In addition, Spain is contributing other mechanised assets such as the M-113 Tracked Armoured Carrier (TOA), heavy mortars, sapper combat vehicles (VCZ) and ‘Spike’ anti-tank missiles. Also noteworthy is the contribution of units that substantially improve the combat capability of the Tactical Subgroup, such as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and a ‘Raven’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
All in all, Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defence objectives. The significant deployment of Spanish forces to support and reinforce the forward presence on NATO's eastern flank demonstrates Spain's firm commitment, through its Armed Forces, to our allies, as well as Spain's resolute contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.
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