NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Slovakia successfully completes the ‘Strong Lineage 26’ mission exercise

•  The final tactical demonstration certifies the Spanish-led multinational force’s capability to scale up to brigade level on the eastern flank

The Multinational Brigade in Slovakia (MN BDE SVK), under Spanish leadership, has successfully completed ‘Strong Lineage 26’ (STLI26). This mission exercise represents the main operational validation activity aimed at verifying the capability to scale up from a Battle Group to a multinational brigade, in accordance with the requirements established by NATO within the framework of the new Force Model, agreed at the 2022 Madrid Summit.

At the Lešť and Kamenica training areas (Slovakia), as well as at the Croft Combat Training Area (CTA) in Hungary, capabilities from Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Turkey have been integrated under a single Spanish command. Over several weeks, the participating units have completed a demanding process of integration, planning and operational execution, which has enabled the MN BDE SVK to demonstrate its ability to integrate multinational units, synchronise command and control procedures, sustain high-intensity combat operations and expand its operational structure up to brigade level.

The final phase of the operation culminated in the holding of a Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD), attended by prominent civilian and military authorities from allied countries. Notable attendees included various ambassadors from NATO member countries accredited to Slovakia, the Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, the Director General of Slovak Defence Policy, as well as high-level representatives of the Armed Forces of the seven nations comprising the multinational brigade.

The allied military delegation was led by the head of the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Spain (NRDC-ESP), Lieutenant General Luis Sáez Rocandio —the authority responsible for conducting the mission exercise—, alongside the Commander of the Spanish Operations Command, Lieutenant General José A. Agüero Martínez, as well as the Commander of the Multinational Brigade Slovakia, Brigadier General José Agustín Carreras Postigo.

During the day, a tactical demonstration took place in which the Multinational Brigade showcased its integrated capabilities in manoeuvre, firepower, reconnaissance, air defence, engineering, logistical support and medical evacuation.

The demonstration also featured HA-28 Tiger, NH-90 and HT-17 Chinook helicopters — which reinforce the contribution of the Headquarters NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain (HQ NRDC-ESP) as a Warfighting Corps (WFC) to the protection of the eastern flank — as well as armoured and mechanised vehicles from the various allied nations.

The conclusion of ‘Strong Lineage 26’ marks a particularly significant milestone for NATO’s collective defence and demonstrates Spain’s capability, as the lead nation of the multinational brigade deployed in Slovakia, to lead complex operational organisations in a multinational environment. It also demonstrates the participating nations’ firm commitment to security, stability and deterrence on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

NATO’s forward presence

NATO’s military presence on the Alliance’s eastern flank is a key element of its reinforced commitment to deterrence and defence, 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.