Spanish Contingent of the CFE in Kuchyňa Welcomes Visit from Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of Brunssum

• During his visit, General Staudenraus praised the preparation and motivation of the Spanish military, recognising that this is ‘a historic and highly significant mission for Spain and NATO’

The Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of the NATO Joint Headquarters in Brunssum, Major General Randolph J. Staudenraus (USA-AF), visited the Spanish contingent deployed at Malacky Air Base (MAB Kuchyňa, Slovakia).

Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Colonel Juan Carlos Pérez Herrero, Head of the Corps Forward Element (CFE) of the NRDC-ESP, and concurrently, the Spanish Contingent Commander at MAB. Colonel Pérez Herrero provided a briefing on Spain's presence in Slovakia, including details about Fuerza Kuchyňa, the structure and missions of the CFE IV, and NATO's plans in the region. He also informed the General about the imminent deployment of the helicopter unit, a key enabler for the operational capacity of the IV NATO Corps (IV WFC).

The day concluded with a tour of the facilities, a lunch with the troops, a group photo, and the signing of the CFE Honour Book. During his visit, General Staudenraus emphasised the historical significance of the mission, commending the high level of preparation and motivation shown by the personnel deployed in Kuchyňa.

CFE: Composition and Mission

Spain's presence on the Eastern Flank plays a significant role in enhancing military capabilities within the framework of NATO’s Deterrence and Defence Plans (DDA), specifically within the area of responsibility assigned to the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC-ESP). For just over a year, the NRDC-ESP has deployed a Corps Forward Element (CFE) at Kuchyňa Air Base, with the primary mission of facilitating the execution of NATO plans in the region, if necessary.

The NRDC-ESP HQ in Bétera (Valencia) is designated as the Warfighting Corps (WFC) in times of crisis or conflict, as part of NATO’s defence plans. To meet the authorised deployment, the CFE concept was developed by NRDC-ESP HQ. On 12 March 2024, the first rotation of the CFE was deployed, composed of 16 personnel from NRDC-ESP, at Kuchyňa Air Base (Slovakia).

In the coming months, the CFE will focus on supporting the Brigade Expansion Exercise of the Forward Land Forces (FLF) from the NATO Multinational Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK) and aligning the tactical plans of the Corps with national defence plans.

Key Tasks of the CFE

Among the key responsibilities of the CFE, it is crucial to liaise with various entities in the operational area to facilitate the entry and assumption of responsibilities by NRDC-ESP HQ as the WFC. The CFE also works to identify training opportunities between NATO elements (Headquarters and/or units) and the national defence forces of the countries within its area of responsibility.

With the CFE’s first year now complete, Spain has once again demonstrated its commitment as a responsible NATO partner and ally. This deployment underlines Spain’s decisive contribution to NATO’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe, which have been increasing in recent years to address the evolving security landscape in the Euro-Atlantic zone. Moreover, this deployment of allied nations on the Eastern Flank contributes to improving interoperability and serves as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity.