The Multinational Tactical Group trains in Latvia under extreme cold conditions in the ‘Forge’ exercise

 More than 1,000 military personnel from eight allied nations took part in this exercise, including several Spanish units, such as a Mechanised Tactical Subgroup, an Engineering Unit and military personnel from the command post

The Multinational Battle Group (MNBG) deployed in Latvia carried out the 'Forge' tactical exercise in extreme cold conditions at the Adazi training ground. The exercise involved more than 1,000 military personnel from eight allied nations, including Canada, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic and Spain, which are deploying forces in Latvia as part of the protection of the Alliance's eastern flank.

Spain has taken part in this exercise with a Mechanised Tactical Subgroup and an Engineering Unit, as well as military personnel integrated into the command post. This has significantly increased the operational and support capabilities of the multinational force as a whole.

The main objectives of this training and force-readiness activity are to strengthen the cohesion of the Multinational Tactical Group as well as on the execution of various tactical actions. These include, in particular, maneuvering from column into advance and rear guard, obstacle breaching and gap crossing, as well as the occupation and relief of defensive positions.

All of these operational actions are carried out in accordance with MNBG tactics, techniques and procedures. The aim is to test their operational effectiveness and to integrate the latest doctrinal updates. This ensures coordinated and consistent action among the various participating nations.

The exercise lasts five days and takes place under particularly severe weather conditions, with temperatures below -10ºC and constant snowfall. These conditions make the training extremely challenging and therefore enables an assessment of the units’ capabilities to operate effectively in an extreme cold environment.

The ‘Forge’ exercise provides an invaluable opportunity to consolidate the integration work carried out in recent weeks, strengthen interoperability between allies, and maintain a high level of operational readiness. It showcases the Multinational Tactical Group’s capability to jointly operate in highly demanding scenarios in support of protection and collective defence. 

Spanish participation in Latvia

NATO's increased military presence on its eastern flank is a key element of its enhanced commitment to deterrence and defence. This commitment has grown in recent years as a result of the new security situation in the Euro-Atlantic area. Eight multinational battle groups are currently deployed, provided by framework nations, including Spain in Slovakia along with other allied countries that contribute on a voluntary basis.

Spain's main contributions to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, which is led by Canada, include Leopard 2E battle tanks and Pizarro armoured personnel carriers.

Spain also deploys additional capabilities, including a Field Artillery Unit, an Engineering Unit, along with various logistical support elements. Additionally, the contingent provides a NASAMS Air Defence Unit to protect Latvian airspace from the Liepāja air base.Spain is also contributing with other mechanised equipment, including the M-113 armoured personnel carrier, heavy mortars, combat engineer vehicles and Spike anti-tank missiles. The contribution of units that substantially improve the combat capability of the Tactical Subgroup is also noteworthy, including a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and a Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).