Spanish contingent in Latvia takes second place in the multinational ‘Iron Spear 26’ competition

•  Live-fire exercises were conducted, involving 22 teams from eight NATO ally nations

The Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia (F/E Latvia XVIII) has taken second place in the overall rankings of the multinational ‘Iron Spear 26’ competition, which took place at the Adazi training ground.

During the exercise, 22 teams from eight different NATO allied nations (Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, the Netherlands and Sweden) demonstrated their high level of combat proficiency. Using main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, they carried out live-fire exercises whilst on the move over various obstacles.

The competition lasted four days, with exercises taking place both during the day and at night. The ranking for each activity is determined by the sum of the points scored for hitting the targets and the time taken for each action.

The Spanish tank crews, belonging to the Mechanised Tactical Subgroup (SGTMZ) and part of the Multinational Brigade in Latvia, secured third place in the main battle tank trials, behind the Swedes and the Poles. In the infantry fighting vehicle events, the Spanish crews finished one place off the podium, behind the Norwegians and two Dutch teams that took second and third place.

Military competitions between NATO allies allow for the sharing of procedures, the refinement of training and the improvement of cohesion. All of this contributes to the protection and deterrence of the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Operation Eastern Flank Latvia XVIII (E-FL Latvia), under the operational command of the Operations Command (MOPS), is formed from units of the 12^th  ‘Guadarrama’ Brigade, as the core unit, as well as the Logistics Brigade and the Field Artillery Command, amongst others.

NATO’s forward presence

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

In total, NATO’s forward presence—which is sustainable and rotational—comprises eight multinational battlegroups, contributed by framework nations—including Spain in Slovakia—and other allies contributing on a voluntary basis.

Currently, military personnel and equipment from NATO’s allied nations train and exercise together in the Alliance’s eastern European territory, representing a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Forces from contributing nations rotate in and out of the battlegroups and may be deployed in the area of operations or stationed in their home countries with the capacity to deploy rapidly, should the need arise.

Spanish participation in Latvia

The main assets contributed by Spain to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, led by Canada, are the ‘Leopardo 2E’ main battle tanks and the ‘Pizarro’ IFVs. It also contributes additional capabilities through the deployment of a Field Artillery unit, an Engineer unit and various logistical support elements. In addition, the contingent provides protection for the Eastern Flank with a NASAMS Air Defence Unit (UDAA), safeguarding Latvian airspace.

Furthermore, Spain contributes other mechanised assets such as the M-113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), heavy mortars, Combat Engineer Vehicles (CEVs) and ‘Spike’ anti-tank missiles. It is also worth highlighting the contribution of units that substantially enhance the Tactical Sub-Group’s combat capability, 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 objectives. This significant deployment of Spanish forces in support of and to reinforce 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 resolute contribution to the Alliance’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.