The OAK RESOLVE exercise concludes in Latvia, with the participation of deployed Spanish units

• This exercise serves to evaluate the level of preparedness and operational capability of the Atlantic Alliance Multinational Battalion in this area of the eastern flank

 The NATO Multinational Brigade Battalion in Latvia—led by Canada—has carried out the Oak Resolve 25-02 exercise. This is a highly demanding tactical activity in which the unit has undergone a Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL), in accordance with Alliance standards.

This was the second iteration of the exercise in 2025, and it served to evaluate the operational readiness of the Multinational Battalion—including Spanish forces—following the recent rotation of personnel, which took place during the summer.

In addition to units from Spain, the Multinational Battalion is composed of units from Canada, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Specifically, the Spanish forces—which make up the Mechanized Tactical Subgroup and the Engineer Unit—have performed offensive and defensive actions against an opposing force (OPFOR), significantly contributing to the development of the training. In this edition, the Danish Mechanized Battalion, which has been part of the Brigade since 2024, participated as OPFOR.

The CREVAL exercises, led by the CMTC (Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre), allow for an accurate assessment of the preparedness, readiness, and capability of the units evaluated. In these exercises, the simulation of a dual-action environment, with the presence of enemy forces, provides a high level of realism and promotes the refinement of techniques, tactics, and procedures.

In Oak Resolve 25-02, the Multinational Battalion was the main training unit for the exercise, demonstrating high operational cohesion and a high level of preparedness in line with NATO's deterrence requirements on the Alliance's eastern flank. Concurrently, most of the units of the Multinational Brigade and its Command Posts have been deployed to train them as secondary audience.

Visit by the Commander of Operations Command

Coinciding with the final phase of the exercise, the Commander of Operations Command (CMOPS), Lieutenant General Jose Antonio Aguero Martínez, visited the NASAMS Anti-Aircraft Artillery Defence Unit (UDAA) at Lielvarde Air Base in Latvia. During his stay, he was able to see first-hand the work of the Spanish contingent deployed together with the Latvian Air Force. He visited the operational and living facilities at the Latvian base, which has been hosting the Spanish unit since June 2024.

The NASAMS UDAA is part of Operation Persistent Effort, which also currently includes the Tigru detachment—with the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA) radar—deployed in Romania and the PATRIOT battery deployed in Turkey.

Spain's participation in Latvia reflects our country's firm, sustained, and responsible commitment to deterrence and defence on NATO's eastern flank, as well as demonstrating the operational capability of our Armed Forces and our firm willingness to resolutely support our allies in the current international security context.