Military engineers from NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia conduct the Exercise ‘Verboom’

 Military personnel from six NATO countries carry out exercises in breaching, constructing and destroying obstacles, with the aim of increasing collective security on its eastern flank

Engineers from the NATO Multinational Battlegroup deployed in Latvia have conducted the Exercise ‘Verboom’ at the Ādaži Military Base. This exercise aims to increase the operational capabilities of the units.

During the exercise, participants shared procedures and tactics on mobility, counter-mobility and protection, demonstrating the high level of preparedness and interoperability of the allies deployed in Latvia. NATO Multinational Battlegroup’s engineers carried out exercises in breaching, constructing and destroying obstacles.

Engineers from six allied nations participated in the Exercise ‘Verboom’: Spain, France, Italy, Albania, the United Kingdom and Canada.

In this regard, Captain Berta Casans, Commander of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup’s Engineer unit, stated that ‘this kind of activity is central to the mission’s fulfilment, as it guarantees adequate mobility for Allies’ combat units, while hindering the movement of potential adversaries’. The captain also highlighted the importance of knowing how to perform in this exercise, since ‘working in a multinational environment can be challenging and complex at the beginning, but it also fosters cohesion and enable us to be stronger and more effective.’

This is the second time this training activity has taken place in 2025, although it is the first time for this Eastern Flank Latvia (F/E LVA) XVII rotation, which began its deployment in mid-June.

NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence

NATO’s military presence on the Alliance’s eastern flank is a key element of its strong commitment to deterrence and defence, which has been increased in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic Region. The enhanced forward presence of Allied forces is deterrent, proportionate, transparent and, ultimately, in line with the NATO’s international commitments and duties.

In total, NATO’s enhanced forward presence, whose nature is sustainable and rotational, comprises eight Forward Land Forces (FLF) multinational battlegroups, provided by framework nations – including Spain’s deployment in Slovakia – and other contributing Allies on a voluntary basis.

Military personnel and teams from NATO Allies are currently training and conducting exercises together in the Alliance’s territory in eastern Europe, representing a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Forces from contributing countries rotate in and out of the battlegroups; at any given time, they may be deployed in the area of operations or either stationed in their home countries, with the ability to deploy rapidly, if needed.

Spanish participation in Latvia

The main assets provided by Spain to the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia are the ‘Leopard 2E’ tanks and the ‘Pizarro’ armoured fighting vehicle (IFV). It also contributes with other additional capabilities with the deployment of an army artillery unit, an engineering unit and various logistical support elements. In addition, the contingent provides protection for the Eastern Flank with a NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA in Spanish), ensuring surveillance of the Latvian airspace.

Spain also contributes other mechanised assets such as M-113 armoured personnel carriers, heavy mortars, combat engineer vehicles (CEV) and Spike anti-tank missiles. It is also worth highlighting 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 aims. This significant deployment of the Spanish forces in support and reinforcement of NATO’s 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 NATO’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.