The Slovak Multinational Battle Group, led by Spain, has successfully passed its NATO certification

• Compliance with all CERTEX requirements demonstrates that the units are fully prepared to fulfil any mission assigned to them

The Multinational Battle Group Slovakia, formed on the basis of the 3rd ‘Prince’ Infantry Regiment (BRILAT) and integrated into the Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK), has achieved 100% of the criteria in the NATO certification assessment (CERTEX II-25), thus confirming its full readiness to carry out deterrence and defence missions on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

The exercise, developed in the Lešť training area (Slovakia), has meant  fulfilment of the Battle Group's training and validation process. Over several days, the units evaluated were subjected to high-intensity tactical scenarios designed to test their operational planning, command and control, multinational coordination, logistical support, force protection and execution of combined operations in a complex and changing environment.

The MN BG SVK, made up of personnel and resources from Spain, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Óscar Muñoz Arcos, forms part of the Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia, to which contingents from Slovakia and the Czech Republic also contribute. Its certification represents a new step forward in consolidating the Allied presence on Slovak territory, reinforcing stability, defence and collective security within the framework of NATO.

The closing ceremony was attended by General Alfonso Pardo de Santayana, commander of MN BDE SVK, recently promoted to Major General. His promotion and the full validation of the Tactical Group are a double source of satisfaction for BRILAT, as well as for all the international personnel integrated in the mission. All in all, this reaffirms the shared commitment to the defence of allied territory and the unity of purpose that underpins NATO's deterrence on the eastern flank.

When presenting the results of this certification, General Pardo de Santayana highlighted BRILAT's progress within the framework of the allied mission, which "is the result of sustained effort over time. In 2023, BRILAT began its preparation with the Strong Cohesion exercise; in 2024, it led the first Spanish deployment in Slovakia; in 2025, it led the SVK III and SVK IV contingents and carried out the Strong Lineage 25 exercise. Today, achieving 100% of the criteria in CERTEX demonstrates that our units and our military personnel—thanks to a permanent and collective effort—are fully prepared to fulfil the missions assigned to them; and this excellent condition reaffirms our commitment to collective defence."

Spanish participation in Slovakia

In 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the gradual deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. On 1 July 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces took command of the Alliance's multinational Task Force in this eastern flank country, relieving the Czech Republic. Spain currently leads the formation of NATO's multinational brigade and maintains a multinational Task Force permanently deployed in the town of Lešť.

Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and the Czech Republic have joined NATO's efforts in allied territory in Eastern Europe and, under Spanish leadership, complement the Task Force's capabilities. Our country provides 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. With this deployment of forces in support and reinforcement of the forward presence on NATO's eastern flank, Spain underscores our contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.