Spanish Troops Excel in ‘Baltic Warrior’ and ‘Iron Spear’ Competitions with NATO in Latvia

•  Spanish personnel demonstrate physical and operational excellence in support of NATO’s eastern flank

The Spanish contingent deployed with NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia (NM BDE LVA) has excelled in recent multinational competitions held at the Adazi training area, where they are currently stationed as part of the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture on its eastern flank.

In this year’s edition of the traditional ‘Baltic Warrior’ competition, Spanish troops competed alongside personnel from Canada, Slovenia, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Sweden and other nations. The demanding military fitness event, held in pairs, consisted of a 16.5 km march with a weighted rucksack (11–15 kg depending on the participant’s weight), a 1.5 km canoe portage, 14 km of canoeing on the Gauja River, and a final 1.5 km portage.

Spanish teams secured both first and second place. The winning pair, Sergeants Asenjo and González, commented: ‘It was a true physical and mental challenge. Winning was the result of months of effort, perseverance and teamwork. We are very proud of Spain’s outstanding performance in the competition’. Notably, eight of the top ten teams were composed of Spanish soldiers.

Meanwhile, in the ‘Iron Spear 25’ live-fire competition, crews from the Spanish Mechanised Tactical Subgroup (SGTMZ), operating Pizarro Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and Leopard 2E main battle tanks, took second and seventh place. A total of 22 teams from nine NATO allied nations — including Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, the UK and Sweden — demonstrated their combat proficiency through live-fire manoeuvres and obstacle-crossing exercises with various armoured vehicles. Following the competition, Lieutenant Rubén Lorda, commander of the 2-VCI Pizarro patrol that won silver, stated: ‘Rivalry and camaraderie were at the forefront of this international event. Preparation, persistence and a spirit of sacrifice over recent weeks were key to seeing the Spanish flag flying high’.

NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence and Spain’s Role

NATO’s enhanced forward presence on its eastern flank is a cornerstone of the Alliance’s strengthened deterrence and defence posture. It has been expanded in recent years to reflect the evolving security environment in the Euro-Atlantic area. The deployment consists of eight rotational and sustainable multinational battlegroups, led by framework nations — including Spain in Slovakia — with voluntary contributions from other allies.

In Latvia, Spain contributes significantly to the Canada-led Multinational Brigade, deploying Leopard 2E tanks, Pizarro IFVs, a Field Artillery unit, an Engineer unit and various logistical elements. The contingent also includes a NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA in Spanish) supporting Latvian airspace security. Additional capabilities include further mechanised assets, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and a Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Spain remains a committed and responsible NATO ally, fully aligned with the Alliance’s defence objectives. This significant deployment of Spanish forces in support of NATO’s forward presence underscores Spain’s firm commitment to collective security and its strong contribution to NATO’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.