The “Forging Thunder” exercise strengthened NATO artillery firepower in Latvia

• Spanish artillery personnel assigned to the Canadian-led Multinational Brigade have taken part in this training activity, which has been conducted at the Adazi Training Area

Throughout the week, the International Artillery Battery belonging to NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia, deployed within the framework of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence on the Eastern Flank, has participated in the exercise Forging Thunder in Latvia.

This multinational exercise, carried out at the Adazi Training Area, has involved Spanish and Canadian field artillery units, as well as Italian air defence artillery. It has enabled to strengthen interoperability among Allies and to enhance the integration of capabilities within the mission deployed on NATO’s Eastern Flank.

The main focus of the exercise has been live-fire training with Spanish and Canadian self-propelled howitzers (SPH), which tested procedures for the planning, execution and adjustment of artillery fires. These activities have consolidated crew training while increasing the effectiveness and accuracy of fire support in high-intensity scenarios.

During the execution of the exercise, the Spanish HALO system was integrated as an additional capability to improve target acquisition and fire adjustment. This system is equipped with a passive acoustic sound-ranging sensor, which enhanced the accuracy of fire corrections and contributed to faster and more precise artillery responses.

Exercise Forging Thunder was conducted under particularly adverse weather conditions, with continuous snowfall and temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C throughout the whole week. These conditions imposed a high level of demand on the training while allowing artillery units to assess their ability to operate effectively in a severe winter environment.

The implementation of this training activity has provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen multinational cooperation, increase technical and tactical interoperability, and demonstrate the high level of readiness, cohesion and professionalism of the Allied units deployed in Latvia.

Within the current security context, exercises such as this one enhance unit preparedness and boost NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities. They illustrate the Allied nations' firm commitment to collective security and stability on the Eastern Flank. By deploying its units in Latvia, Spain continues to demonstrate its active and responsible involvement in international missions, making a decisive contribution to the Alliance’s common defence.

NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, sustainable and rotational, comprises eight multinational Battlegroups, provided by Framework Nations, including Spain in Slovakia as well as other contributing Allies.

Spanish Participation in Latvia

The main assets contributed by Spain to NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia, led by Canada include Leopard 2E main battle tanks and Pizarro infantry fighting vehicles (IFV). Spain also provides additional capabilities through the deployment of a Field Artillery unit, an Engineer unit and various logistic support elements. The Spanish contingent also contributes to the protection of NATO’s Eastern Flank by deploying a NASAMS Air Defence Unit , to safeguard Latvian airspace.

Furthermore, Spain contributes additional mechanised assets such as M-113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), heavy mortars, Armoured Engineer Vehicles (AEV) and Spike anti-tank guided missiles. It is also worth highlighting the contribution of units that significantly enhance the combat capability of the Tactical Subgroup, including a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Raven.