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The Spanish Air Tactical Control Unit in Slovakia participates in NATO's 'Neptune Strike' enhanced surveillance activities

In Lešť, Slovakia
October 25, 2024
  • From October 24 to 31, Spanish military personnel will carry out naval and air manoeuvres aimed at improving the interoperability and readiness of allied forces, within the framework of the 'Neptune Strike'

The Spanish Air Tactical Control Team (TACP) of the Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK) has participated in an exercise in the framework of the enhanced surveillance activity “Neptune Strike” 24-2. Spain is currently leading the formation of the NATO Multinational Brigade, and maintains a Multinational Battlegroup permanently deployed in the town of Lešť.

During the exercise, complex scenarios have been developed, set in a large-scale conventional combat, in which the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), leader of the TACP team, has accomplished a fundamental role. In the area of operations, the JTAC, together with the TACP, is responsible for managing the airspace and coordinating the fires of different air and ground platforms.

In addition, one of the most demanding practices from this perspective, the Enemy Air Defense Suppression actions, was carried out in this exercise. Specifically, artillery fire was used to momentarily neutralize the anti-aircraft defenses. With this action, the opportunity is created for an aircraft to infiltrate by performing a low-level flight and neutralize the high-value target that was protected by such defenses.

This tested the Alliance's capabilities to work in joint and multi-domain operations, to integrate allied carrier groups and to directly support the allied deterrence and defence strategy on the eastern flank.

‘Neptune Strike’ 24-2

'Neptune Strike' 2024 will demonstrate the complex integration of high-level joint maritime strike capabilities. NATO will take operational control of multiple aircraft carriers and expeditionary strike groups in support of NATO deterrence and defence.

Participating units will operate from the central Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea to the North Sea and Baltic Sea, including air operations in Central Europe to conduct air-to-ground actions in the Baltic Sea region, including with new NATO member Sweden. Activities include amphibious landings, mine action, explosive ordnance disposal and drone defence.

This year's operational event is led by NATO's Naval Strike and Support Forces (STRIKFORNATO), located in Oeiras, Portugal, and will take place from 24 to 31 October 2024. In total, some 20 surface ships and submarines, Special Forces and numerous aircraft are participating in ‘Neptune Strike’ 24-2 in different compositions with some 15,000 support personnel.

The exercise in Lešť is part of NATO's enhanced surveillance activities, which underline the Alliance's ability to protect its territory, guarantee freedom of navigation and ensure the protection of airspace.

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