‘Strong Lineage 26’: NATO Multinational Brigade’s strategic deployment in Slovakia comes to an end

The unit, led by Spain, brings together more than 2,600 allied military personnel, who are taking part in the main verification exercise in Slovakia and Hungary

The Multinational Brigade in Slovakia (MN BDE SVK) has completed the deployment of its capabilities to the area of operations for the ‘Strong Lineage 26’ mission.

The deployed equipment was transported from Almería to Koper (Slovenia) and subsequently moved by land to the training grounds at Lešť, Kamenica (Slovakia) and Croft (Hungary).

Following the successful completion of the RSOM (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement) process, the first phase of the ‘Strong Lineage 26’ mission exercise begins, the main objective of which is to demonstrate to NATO Spain’s firm commitment, as the lead nation, of one of the Alliance’s brigades deployed on the eastern flank, as well as to confirm that the command post integrates all capabilities and assets.

Forces from Spain, Portugal, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia and Turkey are participating in this operation, comprising more than 2,600 military personnel and a significant array of land and air capabilities.

Among the assets deployed are Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, Pandur II, Patria and Centauro vehicles; VAMTAC systems in various configurations; NH-90 and Chinook transport helicopters, and Tiger attack helicopters; Mistral air defence systems; medical capabilities with a ROLE 2B unit deployed; and reconnaissance, fire support and combat support assets.

Until 4 June, the participating units — transferred to the Operations Command (MOPS) and in close collaboration with the Land High Readiness Headquarters (NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain, NRDC-ESP) — will carry out activities aimed at validating tactical procedures, command and control systems, multinational interoperability, and deployment and sustainment capabilities in high-intensity scenarios. Furthermore, the processes of force integration, joint manoeuvre and the conduct of land operations under NATO standards will be evaluated.

Verification of the scale-up to Brigade level in Slovakia: ‘Strong Lineage 26’

The ‘Strong Lineage’ mission exercise is an annual operational activity that puts into practice the deployment and integration of the entire Multinational Brigade Slovakia (MN BDE SVK). It will involve verifying the process of scaling up the Multinational Battle Group Slovakia (MN BG SVK) to Brigade level, a unit led by Spain since July 2024.

The MN BG SVK, permanently deployed at the Lešť training area (MTA), is being expanded to reach its full capacity as the Multinational Brigade (MN BDE SVK).

In the case of Spain, the Legion Brigade forms the core of the deployed force, integrating manoeuvre, combat support, fire support, reconnaissance, air defence, engineering, logistics and medical capabilities. Together with allied units and other units of the Army, the Commanding General of the Legion’s ‘King Alfonso XIII’ II Brigade, José Agustín Carreras Postigo, leads a single multinational command.

This demanding process of preparation, evaluation and operational validation not only measures the contingent’s effectiveness and readiness, but also constitutes a clear demonstration of the firm commitment of the contributing nations — and notably of Spain as a Framework Nation — to collective defence, allied cohesion and the security of NATO’s eastern flank.