Relief of the Spanish contingent of the Multinational Task Force Slovakia at MTA Lest

• Before the transfer of authority, the commander of the Operations Command visited the exhibition on experimental lines and unmanned aerial systems

Camp Slávia, a base located in the Military Training Area (MTA) Lešť, hosted the transfer of authority ceremony for the Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK), an event that formalised the handover between the SVK IV and SVK V contingents.

The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez, commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS in Spanish), and, as the highest authority of the host country, was attended by the Secretary of State for Defence of the Slovak Republic, Martin Vojtašovič. Also in attendance were the Spanish Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, Sofía Ruiz del Árbol Moro, and the General in charge of the Alfonso XIII II Brigade of the Legion, José Agustín Carreras Postigo. Other military and civilian authorities from Slovakia and allied countries also witnessed the handover ceremony. Among them was the head of the Multinational Division Centre, Major General Tibor Králik, which highlighted the close institutional ties and cooperation between Spain and Slovakia.

During the military parade, the handover of authority took place between Colonels Ángel José Espiga Gómez and José Manuel Sánchez Arribas: outgoing and incoming commanders, respectively, of the MN BDE TF SVK. The ceremony symbolised the operational continuity of the allied mission in Slovakia and the full transfer of responsibilities within the framework of NATO's enhanced presence on the eastern flank.

In his first speech after officially assuming command of the multinational Task Force, Colonel Sánchez Arribas, commander of the 3rd Tercio (regiment) ‘Don Juan de Austria’ of the Legion, stressed that "this parade is much more than a military ceremony. It is a tangible demonstration of unity, operational readiness and common commitment. The soldiers and legionnaires assembled here today come from different nations, cultures and backgrounds, but they are united by a common purpose: to defend peace, deter any threat and safeguard the values that hold our Alliance together."

Unmanned aerial systems

Before the military transfer of authority ceremony, the CMOPS (in Spanish) gained first-hand knowledge of the different capabilities associated with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as well as the main lines of experimentation aimed at technological adaptation, the improvement of operational procedures and the integration of new solutions in the tactical environment. The exhibition included various types of UAS platforms, concepts of use and developments applied to surveillance, reconnaissance, force protection and manoeuvre support.

Among the equipment presented was the DJI FlyCart 30 drone, which is used as an aerial logistics platform for resupplying deployed units. This system allows the transport of ammunition, fuel and other essential supplies, with a load capacity of up to 40 kilograms, which significantly expands logistical support options in complex environments, reduces personnel exposure and improves the speed and flexibility of support to front-line units.

This operational activity once again demonstrated the Spanish Armed Forces' commitment to innovation and capability development, with a focus on experimentation as a key tool for anticipating the challenges of the modern battlefield and strengthening the operational readiness of deployed forces.

The Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia, led by Spain as the framework nation, integrates personnel from several allied nations and is a key element of NATO's deterrence and defence posture on the Alliance's eastern flank. With this handover, Spain reaffirms its firm and sustained commitment to collective security, support for Slovakia as the host country and the strengthening of allied cohesion.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

On 20 January 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the gradual deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Spain currently leads 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 are deploying with the capabilities required by the Alliance. On 1 January of that year, the Spanish Armed Forces took command of the Alliance's multinational Task Force in this eastern flank country, taking over from the Czech Republic.

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. 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. 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.