The Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia is participating in Exercise ‘Forge’

•  The Spanish troops integrated into NATO’s multinational battlegroup in the Baltic country have demonstrated their operational readiness to carry out their mission

The Spanish Mechanised Tactical Subgroup, the Engineer Unit, and personnel in the command structure of NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia (MN BG LVA) have participated in Exercise ‘Forge’, where both offensive and defensive combat tactics were conducted in an international environment.

During this training activity, the Mechanised Tactical Subgroup, composed of two mechanised platoons equipped with Infantry Fighting Vehicle ‘Pizarro’ (VCI, in Spanish) ,one platoon of Leopard 2E tanks, and one support weapons platoon, carried out various offensive and defensive manoeuvres at company level. In addition, joint operations were conducted alongside the Polish tank company, also belonging to the multinational battlegroup, in which echelon crossing drills and position relief exercises.

Meanwhile, the multinational Engineer Unit, made up of a Spanish mechanised sapper platoon, an Italian light sapper platoon, and a Spanish heavy equipment platoon, undertook fortification works. These included the construction of a company-level defensive position with interconnected trenches, vehicle fighting positions, firing and listening posts, section-level shelters, and a buried command post.

Throughout Exercise ‘Forge’, both units engaged in combined multinational training, particularly in obstacle crossing and breaching exercises alongside other elements of the MN BG LVA. The activity showcased the high degree of adaptability and doctrine unity among Allied forces.

NATO's enhanced Forward Presence and Spain's participation

NATO's military presence on the eastern flank of the Alliance is a key element of its enhanced deterrence and defence commitment, which has been reinforced in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area.     In total, this NATO contribution -sustainable and rotational - consists of eight multinational battlegroups, led by framework nations - including Spain in Slovakia - and supported by other contributing Allies on a voluntary basis.

The Spanish contingent deployed in Operation Eastern Flank Latvia XVII (F-E Latvia), under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS, in Spanish), is primarily based on units from the Brigade X ‘Guzmán el Bueno’ as the force-generating base unit, as well as the Logistics Brigade, Field Artillery Command, and Air Artillery Command, among others.

In Latvia, Spain's main contributions to the NATO Multinational Brigade - led by Canada - include ‘Leopardo 2E’ battle tanks and Pizarro Infantry Fighting Vehicles (VCI). Spain also provides additional capabilities with the deployment of a Field Artillery unit, an Engineer unit, and various logistics support elements. Additionally, the contingent includes a NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA), which contributes to the protection of Latvian airspace. Spain also deploys other mechanised assets, as well as units that significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Tactical Subgroup, such as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and a ‘Raven’ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Overall, Spain is a responsible partner and Ally, fully committed to NATO’s defence objectives. This significant deployment of Spanish forces in support of and reinforcing NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence on its eastern flank demonstrates Spain’s firm commitment, through its Armed Forces, to our Allies, as well as Spain’s determined contribution to the Alliance’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.