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Transfer of authority at the Corps Forward Element of NATO's Rapid Deployment Headquarters in Slovakia

In Kuchyňa, Slovakia
December 10, 2024

 ●    The CFE's main role is to coordinate NATO's deterrence plans and to contribute to the Eastern flank protection

The third Corps Forward Element contingent (CFE III) has handed over the second (CFE II) with its deployment at Kuchyňa Air Base, Slovakia.

During the transfer of authority, Colonel Gustavo Paredes, head of CFE II, handed over the combat flag of HQ NRDC-ESP to the new head of the CFE III contingent, Colonel Miguel López Rodríguez.

In his address, the incoming colonel stressed that ‘our presence in Slovakia is part of NATO's common effort on the Alliance's eastern flank. The Forward Corps Element to which we belong is deployed in Slovakia, but our area of work also encompasses the Czech Republic and Hungary. The shared effort of the four nations underlines the importance of cohesion and mutual support, fundamental principles of NATO action.

He then thanked the men and women of the outgoing troops for their professionalism, dedication and effort, as ‘their work has been fundamental for the consolidation of the unit and for the success of the mission entrusted to them’.

The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Juan José Soto Rodríguez, Head of the Communication Division of HQ NRDC-ESP and Head of Support of the High Readiness Ground Headquarters (CGTAD). It was also attended by various military authorities from Slovakia and Hungary, as well as the Spanish Ambassador to Slovakia.

The CFE, which operates under the operational control of the Operations Command (MOPS), has been deployed in Kuchyňa since March 2024.

NATO's forward presence

NATO's military presence on the Alliance's Eastern Front is a key element of its enhanced deterrence and defence commitment, which has grown in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area.

NATO's forward presence comprises eight multinational battlegroups, contributed by framework countries and other contributing Allies on a voluntary, rotational basis.

Today, NATO Allies' troops and personnel train and exercise together in the east of the Alliance, a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Contributing nations' forces rotate in and out of battle groups; they may be deployed in the area of operations or stationed in their home countries with the capacity to deploy rapidly if required.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

The Corps Forward Element is composed of personnel from CGTAD/HQ NRDC-ESP and is supported by several units from the 21st Transmission Regiment (Marines-Valencia) and the 1st Transmission Regiment (Huesca), which provide control and command with the most modern information and communications technologies. In addition, it is supported by an Advanced Element of the NSE.

Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defence objectives. This deployment of forces to support and reinforce the forward presence on the eastern flank demonstrates the firm commitment of Spain and its Armed Forces to our allies, as well as our country's resolute contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.

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