The Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia participates in the celebrations held for the Baltic country's Independence Day.

• Spain was present with military personnel and vehicles from the Multinational Brigade and the NASAMS Air Defence Unit deployed in Latvia, as well as two C16 aircraft from DAT Vilkas

Independence Day, celebrated on 18 November, commemorates the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia in 1918. To mark this important day for the Baltic country, several events have been held in different Latvian cities, in which Spain has been present with military personnel and vehicles from the Multinational Brigade and the NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA) deployed in Latvia, as well as two C16 aircraft from the DAT Vilkas.

On 18 November, the main event was a military parade in Riga. Alongside the Latvian Armed Forces, all the countries contributing to NATO's Multinational Brigade in Latvia took part, with the aim of strengthening the protection of the allied space.

The celebration began with a speech by Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, in which he emphasised the importance of the Alliance in guaranteeing the country's independence. Vejonis stressed that “although we are now alone, we have received enormous support from our military allies. We must remain strong, proud and united in our love for our country and have faith in its future”.

After the speech, there was a parade on foot through the main avenues of the Latvian capital. The Spanish contingent participated in this event with two Leopard 2E tanks and a Pizarro Infantry Fighting Vehicle. In addition, the Vilkas detachment (deployed in Lithuania) contributed two Eurofighter Typhoons belonging to the Baltic air police.

With these military actions, Spain and the other allied countries are reinforcing their commitment to NATO and demonstrating their capabilities and unwavering determination in the collective defence of the Eastern Flank.

Spain with the fallen of Latvia

Days prior to the National Holiday, on 11 November, a tribute was held in the town of Lielvarde to the fallen soldiers who fought for the country's freedom. The Spanish NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA) participated in this event, known as Latvian Freedom Fighters' Remembrance Day (Lacplesis Day), alongside personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces and local civilians.

The celebration began with the lighting of torches during a march through the streets of the town and continued with words of tribute and gratitude from the various heads of international units deployed in Latvia. Finally, a group of local civilians performed traditional Latvian music, dressed in regional costumes.

Spanish participation in Latvia

The main resources provided by Spain to the NATO Battlegroup in Latvia are Leopard 2E tanks, Pizarro infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and a NASAMS air defence unit (UDAA). It also contributes additional capabilities with a Field Artillery Unit, an Engineer Unit and logistical support elements.

In addition, Spain contributes other mechanised resources such as the M-113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), 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).

Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defence objectives. The significant deployment of Spanish forces in support and reinforcement of the forward presence on NATO's 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.