Relief of the Spanish military personnel from NRDC-ESP at the helm of the Corps Forward Element (CFE) in Kuchyna

• The CFE, led by Spain, is responsible for coordinating NATO's deterrence plans on the eastern flank

At Kuchyňa Air Base (Slovakia), the handover of Spanish military personnel in command of the Corps Forward Element (CFE IV) took place. This is the fourth contingent since Spain, through the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain/NRDC-ESP, took responsibility for coordinating all deterrence plans and the contribution of Alliance forces for the protection of the eastern flank. The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Enrique Gomariz Devesa, Chief of the Plans Division at HQ NRDC-ESP, and was attended by various dignitaries, including the Spanish Ambassador to Slovakia, Lorea Arribalzaga Ceballos, as well as military representatives from Slovakia and Hungary.

During the authority transfer ceremony, the outgoing CFE III Commander, Colonel López Rodríguez, handed over the combat flag of HQ NRDC-ESP to the new CFE IV Commander, Colonel Pérez Herrero, who emphasised that Spain’s presence in Slovakia is part of NATO’s collective effort on the eastern flank. ‘This Corps Forward Element to which we belong’, said Colonel Pérez Herrero, ‘is deployed in Slovakia, but our area of operation also covers the Czech Republic and Hungary, underscoring the shared effort of our four nations, as well as the importance of cohesion and mutual support, which are fundamental principles in NATO’s actions’.

In conclusion, and after expressing gratitude for Slovakia’s hospitality, he encouraged the incoming contingent to maintain their commitment and involvement, work as a team, and always keep in mind their role as representatives of Spain, key pillars in achieving mission success.

NATO Corps Forward Element (CFE)

The Corps Forward Element (CFE) is composed of personnel from CGTAD/HQ NRDC-ESP, supported by several communication units from the 21^st  Transmission Regiment (Marines-Valencia) and the 1^st  Transmission Regiment (Huesca), providing command and control with the most advanced information and communication technologies. It also receives support from a Forward Element of the NSE. The CFE has been deployed in Kuchyňa since March 2024.

Spain’s participation in the protection of the eastern flank is yet another demonstration of Spain’s commitment to its allies and further evidence of Spain’s decisive contribution to NATO’s security and deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.