Slovakia's Multinational Brigade projects assets and capabilities eastward by rail

• This innovative deployment combines combat capabilities with demanding logistical manoeuvring to increase protection of NATO's eastern flank

The Multinational Tactical Group, belonging to the Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK), conducted a strategic deployment by rail to the Kamenica training area in eastern Slovakia.

This movement, led by Spain as the Framework Nation, involved the deployment of more than twenty VAMTAC ST-5 tactical vehicles, armoured ambulances with advanced life support, trucks, and logistics trailers, along with a wide range of combat and support capabilities that consolidate the force's operational readiness.

This is a very significant milestone for the projection of allied forces on NATO's eastern flank, reflecting the cohesion, interoperability, efficiency, and shared commitment of the countries deployed in Slovakia.

The following systems are among those deployed:

• Centauro cavalry reconnaissance vehicles, with high mobility and firepower.
• 81 mm medium mortars on CARDOM platforms, providing speed, accuracy, and automation to fire support.
• SPIKE anti-tank systems, which provide solid defence against armoured vehicles.
• Collective weaponry such as 12.70 mm Browning machine guns, MG 1A3 and LAG-40 automatic grenade launchers.
• High-capacity CIS resources, including satellite systems, which guarantee command and control at all times.
• Sapper, logistical and medical support units, which are integrated as an essential part of the deployment.

Since the start of its deployment in Slovakia, the VII Galicia Brigade (BRILAT), as the base unit generating the Spanish contingent of the MN BDE TF SVK, has demonstrated the Spanish Armed Forces' ability to project forces by land, sea, and air. By land, with the integration of road convoys and rail deployments in cooperation with the Slovak national system; by sea, during Operation Strong Lineage 25, which enabled the strategic transport of heavy equipment; and, finally, by air, through strategic movements and logistical transport.

This strategic deployment was also made possible thanks to the Slovak national railway system, which enabled rapid, efficient, and safe projection to the east of the country.

“This effort reflects Spain's operational flexibility and logistical expertise, qualities that reinforce our role as the framework nation for MN BDE TF SVK and as a guarantor of Allied cohesion on the eastern flank,” said Colonel Espiga, commander of MN BDE TF SVK.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

On January 20, 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the gradual deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Currently, and since July 1, 2024, Spain has been leading the formation of the NATO multinational brigade and maintains a multinational Task Force permanently deployed in the town of Lešť.

Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, and the Czech Republic have joined this NATO effort in Allied territory in Eastern Europe, completing the Task Force's capabilities under Spanish leadership. Spain provides forces and capabilities to this mission as part of its commitments to international security and defence organizations.