Multinational Exercises With Spanish Air Assets Enhance Operational Readiness Of Nato Multinational Brigade In Slovakia

•  Allied interoperability to strength joint combat skills on Alliance Eastern Flank

NATO Multinational brigade in Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK) has conducted several joint training activities with the Spanish helicopters deployed at the Air Base of Kuchyňa, where they have been stationed for three months now. Among other actions, training practices included tactical embarkation and disembarkation exercises, Close Combat Attack (CCA) and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), as well as personnel transport.

Spanish Army ‘Tiger’ and NH-90 ‘Caimán’ helicopters from the Spanish Army have taken part in the activities, integrating fully with MN BDE TF SVK units. On this occasion, the ground units involved were composed of Spanish personnel from the Multinational Tactical Group, alongside troops from Slovenia, Slovakia and Portugal.

During the Close Combat Attack training, the Multinational Brigade’s ground forces carried out air-to-ground coordination tasks, target identification, and tactical synchronization with the air assets. These operational drills involved realistic combat scenarios, providing an excellent opportunity to test interoperability among allied nations.

In addition, the Spanish Air Defence Unit (UDAA, in Spanish) deployed in Slovakia conducted surveillance exercises using the CERVUS system, and carried out simulated occupation of firing positions, involving MISTRAL missile firing positions, showcasing its competence to protect airspace in a multinational environment.

Such activities strengthen the operational readiness of NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Slovakia, enhance its responsiveness to potential threats, and consolidate interoperability among allies; fully aligned with Spain’s commitment to collective security on NATO’s eastern flank.

Spanish Participation in Slovakia

On January 20th, 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the progressive deployment of personnel and equipment in Slovakia. Spain currently leads the formation of NATO’s Multinational Brigade, and maintains a permanently deployed Multinational Battlegroup in the town of Lešť.

During the first half of 2024, Spanish forces have been deployed on the ground, contributing to the deterrence and defence capabilities required by the Alliance. On July 1st , 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces assumed command of NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in this eastern-flank country, taking over from the Czech Republic.

Joining this NATO effort on Allied territory in Eastern Europe are Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and the Czech Republic, which – under Spanish leadership – complete the deterrence and defence mastery of the Battlegroup.  Spain contributes forces and assets to this mission as a part of its commitments to International Security and Defence Organisations. 

Spain is a reliable partner and ally, fully committed to NATO’s defence objectives. This deployment of forces in support of the enhanced forward presence on NATO’s eastern flank evidences Spain’s firm commitment, and that of its Armed Forces, to our allies and highlights our nation’s contribution to the Alliance’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.