Spanish contingents deployed in Latvia relieved after six-month NATO mission

• The seventeenth Spanish rotation of NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia and the seventh rotation of UDAA NASAMS Latvia begin their mission to protect the Alliance's eastern flank.

Following the handover ceremonies for the two contingents deployed in Latvia - the Spanish contingent integrated in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia (MN BDE LVA) and the Spanish contingent of the UDAA NASAMS - the Spanish military are now fully operational in their deployment bases: Adazi and Lielvārde, respectively.

Both handover ceremonies were presided over by the head of the Operations Command's plans section, Colonel David Tarifa Ramírez, representing the Commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS). During the ceremonies, Colonel Tarifa conveyed the congratulations of the CMOPS, Lieutenant General Agüero, to the outgoing contingents and conveyed to the incoming contingents the full confidence of the Operations Command in all the military personnel who, over the next six months, will represent Spain's commitment to NATO in Latvia.

NATO's Multinational Brigade in Latvia

The seventeenth rotation of the Spanish contingent of NATO's multinational brigade in Latvia has relieved the sixteenth contingent, which concludes six months of deployment at the Adazi base.

Among other contributions, during its deployment, the Spanish contingent XVI has participated in numerous exercises, including the “Oak Resolve” exercise, where the Battlegroup of the Multinational Brigade in Latvia received NATO certification in the framework of the Latvian Eastern Flank Land Deployment (F-E/LVA). It also participated in the “Verboom” (engineers) and “Hedgehog” exercises in Estonia. In addition, members of the 16th rotation excelled in the “Iron Spear” and “Baltic Warrior” military competitions.

In conclusion, during its deployment in Latvia, the outgoing contingent has worked with the allied nations also present in the Baltic country, in addition to demonstrating its high combat readiness, sacrifice and commitment to the Latvian people. Following the handover, Contingent XVII is now ready - with enthusiasm and spirit of service - to carry out its mission to protect Latvia's eastern flank.

UDAA NASAMS deployed in Latvia

Meanwhile, at the Lielvārde air base, the seventh rotation of the Spanish Air Defence Unit (UDAA) NASAMS contingent in Latvia has taken over from its predecessor, thus concluding six months of deployment.

The deployment of this UDAA is part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD) operation, which is part of NATO's ‘Standing Defence Plan, Persistent Effort’, whose aim is reinforce the collective defence on the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance.

The outgoing artillery contingent has participated in a number of multinational exercises, such as ‘Common Arrow’ and ‘Ramstein Alloy’, organised by NATO. These exercises simulated air defence scenarios against external threats, both common and cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, which enabled the reinforcement of interoperability with the air forces of other allied countries.

In addition to its primary air defence mission, the Spanish Army unit has worked closely with the Latvian defence forces, which has strengthened bilateral cooperation and improved security in the Baltic region. On this path, the eighth Spanish UDAA NASAMS in Latvia will continue to deploy operationally and effectively to contribute to the security of the allied space. 

All in all, Spain's deployment in Latvia - in the framework of protecting NATO's eastern flank - is a demonstration of Spain's commitment to the Alliance, as well as a striking example of solidarity with our allies, with whom we share the values that underpin and protect democracy, freedom and global security.