NATO's military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is a key element of its enhanced deterrence and defence posture, which has been improved in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area.
The forward presence of allied forces is defensive, proportionate, transparent and in line with the Alliance's international commitments and obligations.
It represents an important commitment on the part of the Allies and is a tangible reminder that an attack on one NATO ally is an attack on all.
NATO, and thus Spain as an ally, has increased its military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance as a direct consequence of Russia's behaviour, which reflects a pattern of aggressive actions against its neighbours and the wider transatlantic community.
Framework country: Italy
Contributing nations: Albania, Greece, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Turkey, USA
Framework nation: United Kingdom
Contributing nations: France and Iceland
Framework nation: Hungary
Contributing countries: Croatia, Italy, Turkey and the United States
Framework nation: Canada
Contributing nations: Albania, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro and Poland
Framework nation: Germany
Contributing nations: Belgium, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and the USA
Framework nation: United States
Contributing nations: Croatia, Romania, United Kingdom
Framework nation: France
Contributing nations: Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, and the USA
Framework nation: Spain
Contributing nations: Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and Czech Republic.
The Spanish Armed Forces started on January 20, 2024 the progressive deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Spain leads a Multinational Brigade, maintaining permanently deployed a multinational Battlegroup in the town of Lešť.
The military forces have been deployed on the ground during the first half of 2024 and contribute to the deterrence and defence capabilities required by the Alliance.
From 01 July 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces take command of the Alliance's Multinational Battlegroup in this eastern flank country, taking over from the Czech Republic.
Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and Czech Republic join this effort, which, under the Spanish leadership, complete the deterrence and defence capabilities of the Battlegroup.
The Spanish contribution to this multinational brigade translates into the presence on Slovakian territory of nearly 800 military personnel and more than 200 vehicles of different types. This is the largest international deployment of the Armed Forces to date.
Our country provides this mission of the Atlantic Alliance with military forces and capabilities as part of the commitments acquired with the International Security and Defense Organizations.
Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defense objectives. This deployment of forces in support and reinforcement of NATO's eastern flank forward presence demonstrates the firm commitment of Spain and its Armed Forces to our allies and Spain's decisive contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.2024
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