Slovakia's Multinational Task Force Brigade Certifies Its Operational Readiness in CERTEX I-25 Exercise

 TAll participating units have demonstrated their interoperability and rapid deployment capability in response to emerging threats or crises

The Tactical Group, led by Spain and integrated into the Slovakian-deployed Multinational Task Force Brigade in Lešť, Slovakia, has successfully completed the CERTEX I-25 certification exercise. This marks a key milestone in strengthening the deterrence and collective defence of the Alliance on NATO’s eastern flank.

Over the course of more than a week, units from the Multinational Tactical Group operated cohesively and demonstrated their operational readiness in line with NATO standards. The exercises, carried out at the Military Training Area (MTA) in Lešť, simulated diverse and realistic scenarios, validating the tactical procedures and interoperability achieved between the various national contingents deployed in the country.

As a result of rigorous preparation, the CERTEX I-25 exercise has allowed for an in-depth evaluation of key aspects, such as the capacity for rapid deployment in diverse scenarios and response to emerging threats or crises.

With the completion of the CERTEX I-25 exercise, the certified units have validated their ability to operate in a multinational environment, reaffirming their availability to integrate into the collective defence of NATO’s eastern flank.

Spanish Participation in Slovakia

On 20 January 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the gradual deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Currently, Spain leads the formation of the NATO Multinational Brigade and maintains a permanently deployed Multinational Task Force in the town of Lešť.

During the first half of 2024, Spanish forces were deployed on the ground and have contributed to the capabilities required by the Alliance. Since July 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces have taken command of the Multinational Task Force in this eastern flank country, relieving the Czech Republic. 

In addition to the efforts of NATO in allied territory in Eastern Europe, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Romania, under Spanish leadership, have contributed to the Task Force's capabilities. Spain provides forces and capabilities to this mission as part of its commitments to international security and defence organisations. Spain remains a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO’s defence objectives. This deployment in support of the Alliance’s forward presence on NATO’s eastern flank demonstrates Spain’s firm commitment, along with its Armed Forces, to its allies and Spain’s decisive contribution to the Alliance’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.