Spain leads NATO's contribution to Slovakia's Armed Forces Day celebrations

• With its participation, it consolidates its role as a framework nation and its commitment to protecting the Alliance's eastern flank, while thanking Slovakia for its hospitality and ongoing support

The Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK), led by Spain as the framework nation, and the Spanish Helicopter Unit, part of the Kuchyňa Force, participated in the commemorations of the Day of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. This is one of the most solemn military commemorations in the country, held in remembrance of the first Slovak armed uprising in 1848 and in tribute to the men and women who have served in defense of the nation throughout history.

The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic, Peter Pellegrini, and attended by the Minister of Defence, Robert Kaliňák, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Daniel Zmeko, as well as other civil and military authorities from the country. Representing Spain were the Spanish Ambassador to Slovakia, Sofía Ruiz del Árbol, the Military Defence Attaché, Captain Francisco Carlos Martinez, the Head of the Lešť Contingent, Colonel Ángel José Espiga, and the Head of the Kuchyňa Force, Colonel Juan Antonio Puime. All of them took part in the formal ceremonies alongside the Slovak authorities.

The day began with a religious ceremony and floral tributes at the mausoleum of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik and at the Memorial to the Battles of Hurban. This was followed by a military ceremony with a troop review, parade, official speeches and the presentation of decorations. A multinational section of the MN BDE TF SVK, commanded by a Spanish lieutenant, took part in the parade. In his speech, the Slovak Chief of Defence Staff specifically addressed Colonel Espiga Gómez, head of the Multinational Task Force, to thank him for ‘the allied participation and commitment shown by the contingent’ in Slovakia.

Next, an air and ground combat demonstration was organised by the Slovak Armed Forces, in which the MN BDE TF SVK participated with a light section on VAMTAC vehicles, an anti-tank defence platoon and two Spanish Tiger helicopters, alongside Slovak air assets. During the exercise, simulated fire and explosion drills were carried out, as well as coordinated manoeuvres, which became a dynamic and realistic public demonstration of the joint combat capabilities at the service of protecting NATO's eastern flank. A static exhibition was also organised with a Portuguese Pandur armoured vehicle, a Spanish Centauro cavalry vehicle and a Romanian VAMTAC anti-tank vehicle, which aroused great interest among the Slovak public, who were able to come and see the allied assets up close.

In addition, the helicopter unit based in Kuchyňa participated in the dynamic demonstration, in which two HA-28 ‘Tiger’ helicopters performed manoeuvres together with JTAC controllers, during which they simulated close air support (CAS) missions.

All in all, Spain's presence at this important commemoration is a clear demonstration of its firm commitment to its allies and to collective security on NATO's eastern flank, as well as reinforcing unity, interoperability and common procedures in the service of peace and stability.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

On 20 January 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the gradual deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Spain is currently leading the formation of NATO's multinational brigade and maintains a multinational task force permanently deployed in the town of Lešť.

During the first half of 2024, Spanish forces have been deployed on the ground and are contributing to the capabilities required by the Alliance. Since 1 July 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces have taken command of the Alliance's multinational Task Force in this eastern flank country, relieving the Czech Republic.

Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and the Czech Republic have joined NATO's efforts in allied territory in Eastern Europe, complementing the Task Force's capabilities under Spanish leadership. Our country is providing forces and capabilities to this mission as part of its commitments to international security and defence organisations. Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defence objectives. This deployment of forces in support and reinforcement of the forward presence on NATO's eastern flank demonstrates the firm commitment of Spain and its Armed Forces to our allies and Spain's determined contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.