NATO’s Land Component Command deploys its verification unit during the multinational operation ‘Strong Lineage 26’ in Slovakia

•  NATO assesses the escalation and operational integration capabilities of the Spanish-led Multinational Brigade deployed on the eastern flank

As part of the ‘Strong Lineage 26’ (STLI26) mission exercise, conducted in the training areas of Lešť and Kamenica (Slovakia), as well as at the CTA (Central Training Area) in Hungary, NATO’s Land Component Command (LANDCOM) has deployed its CFIT (Capabilities and Force Integration Team) verification unit, tasked with assessing the operational capability and escalation process of the Multinational Brigade Slovakia (MN BDE SVK).

The CFIT Verification is a process driven by LANDCOM to verify that units integrated within the NATO Force Model (NFM) possess the actual capability to scale up and operate as a larger formation, in this case at the multinational brigade level. This assessment is not limited to a documentary review, but verifies in a practical and operational manner the force’s ability to integrate capabilities, coordinate tactical functions and sustain command and control structures in accordance with NATO standards.

The verification team comprises a total of 10 allied military personnel, consisting of eight specialists from the CFIT team and two representatives from LANDCOM, responsible for overseeing compliance with the operational standards established by NATO for multinational brigade-level structures.

During the mission exercise, the assessment team has monitored aspects relating to command and control, interoperability, the integration of multinational capabilities, logistical sustainment and tactical coordination between the various participating units. They have also been able to observe on the ground the execution of offensive and defensive operations, tactical movements, the integration of combat support and the coordinated use of air and land capabilities in a high-intensity multinational environment.

The verification process combines both a documentary analysis of plans, orders, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and operational procedures, and on-site checks of the functioning of command posts, CIS (Communication and Information Systems), tactical coordination and the performance of the various functional cells and deployed units. All of this makes it possible to determine whether the force deployed in Slovakia and Hungary possesses the necessary capability to expand its structure and integrate fully as a multinational operational brigade.

The presence of the CFIT team is an essential element within the operational validation process of the deployed multinational brigade, enabling verification of the force’s ability to operate in an integrated manner under NATO procedures and to respond effectively to complex and demanding scenarios.

The assessment carried out during ‘Strong Lineage 26’ represents a fundamental step in the MN BDE SVK’s capability certification process, reinforcing the operational readiness, multinational cohesion and response capability of the allied forces deployed on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Pending the official publication of the final results, the initial assessments carried out by the CFIT upon completion of the verification process have been very favourable. The preliminary observations highlight the force’s excellent performance during all the phases assessed, suggesting highly satisfactory results and a clearly positive overall outcome.

NATO’s forward presence

NATO’s military presence on the Alliance’s eastern flank is a key element of its reinforced deterrence and defence commitment, which has been stepped up in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area. The forward presence of Allied forces is defensive, proportionate, transparent and in line with the Alliance’s international commitments and obligations.

NATO’s forward presence comprises eight multinational battlegroups, contributed by lead nations and other contributing Allies on a voluntary, fully sustainable and rotational basis.

Currently, troops and personnel from NATO Allies train and exercise together in the eastern part of the Alliance, representing a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Forces from contributing countries rotate in and out of the battlegroups; they may be deployed in the area of operations or stationed in their home countries with the capability to deploy rapidly, should the need arise.