"Oak resolve 25" exercise: NATO demonstrates its operational capability on the eastern flank

• Spanish units from the Eastern Flank operation in Latvia, integrated into the Battlegroup and the Multinational Brigade, participated in this certification exercise

The ‘Oak Resolve 25’ exercise has concluded, marking the operational evaluation of the Multinational Battlegroup. This is the first time a Battlegroup from the Multinational Brigade — led by Canada — has undergone evaluation since the establishment of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia in 2024. The Multinational Battlegroup is primarily composed of Canadian, Italian, Polish, and Spanish units.

CREVAL (NATO Combat Readiness Evaluation) are high-complexity assessments in which the readiness, operational capability, and availability of a battalion-sized unit are evaluated and graded. Typically, an independent multinational team of observers, controllers, and instructors is responsible for conducting these evaluations

In this exercise, Spanish units within the multinational Battlegroup — including the Mechanized Tactical Subgroup and Engineers Unit — conducted both defensive and offensive operations against an Opposing Force (OPFOR). The OPFOR consisted of a Swedish battalion from the Multinational Brigade in Latvia, marking their first training activity since joining the NATO Brigade in January 2025. These combined actions enhance realism in the evaluation and improve techniques, tactics, and procedures.

During 'OAK RESOLVE 25,' the Multinational Battlegroup units demonstrated a high level of readiness and cohesion, both critical for ensuring effective deterrence on the Eastern Flank

NATO's Forward Presence

NATO's military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is a key element of its enhanced deterrence and defence posture, which has been improved 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 in line with the Alliance's international commitments and obligations. 

In total, NATO's sustainable and rotational forward presence comprises eight multinational battlegroups provided by framework nations — including Spain in Slovakia — and other contributing Allies on a voluntary basis. Currently, NATO soldiers and equipment from allied nations train and operate together in Eastern Europe, representing a strong expression of unity and solidarity.

Spanish Participation in Latvia

The main assets contributed by Spain to the Canada-led NATO Battle Group in Latvia are Leopard 2E battle tanks, Pizarro ICVs and a NASAMS Air Defence Unit (ADU). It also provides additional capabilities with the deployment of a Field Artillery Unit, an Engineer Unit as well as various logistic support elements. Additionally, the Spanish contingent provides Eastern Flank protection with a NASAMS Air Defense Unit, securing Latvian airspace.

In addition, Spain is contributing with other mechanised assets such as the M-113 tracked armoured carrier, heavy mortars, sapper combat vehicles (SCV) and Spike anti-tank missiles. Also noteworthy is the contribution of units that significantly enhance the combat capability of the tactical subgroup, such as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and a Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). 

Currently, the Eastern Flank Latvia XVI operation (F-E Latvia), under the operational command of the Commander of the Operations Command, is led by units from the 10th 'Guzmán el Bueno' Brigade as the core unit, alongside the Logistics Brigade, Field Artillery Command, and Air Defense Artillery Command, among others.

Spain is a responsible partner and ally committed to NATO's defence objectives. This significant deployment of Spanish forces to support and reinforce NATO's forward presence on its eastern flank demonstrates Spain's firm commitment through its Armed Forces to our Allies and Spain's resolute contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.