The Navy’s Harrier and the Marine Corps Fire Support Team Conduct Live Ammunition Drop Exercise in Cincu

•  During this training, part of the ‘Dédalo 25’ deployment, the Harriers were refueled in flight by the A400 from the Tactical Air Detachment ‘Paznic’

 Target Acquisition and Fire Support Control (TAFC) team of the Marine Corps Tactical Sub-Group deployed in Romania conducted a Close Air Support (CAS) exercise alongside the Spanish Navy’s AV-8B Harrier aircraft at the Cincu training field.

During this training, part of the ‘Dédalo 25’ deployment, the three Harrier aircraft were refueled in-flight by the A400 aircraft from the ‘Paznic’ Tactical Air Detachment, which is deployed at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base.

The Harrier aircraft, embarked on the ‘Juan Carlos I’ aircraft carrier, launched from the Eastern Mediterranean and flew to the Romanian training area, where they conducted a live munitions drop exercise, overseen by the Marine Corps Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).

The exercise involved the release of two 500-pound MK-82 bombs on a target previously identified by both the JTAC and the pilot. Once this phase was completed, the JTAC guided the aircraft through the airspace to the designated release zone. After the bombs struck the target, the aircraft began their return to the ship, where they were refueled in-flight by the A400 from the Spanish Air and Space Force.

The JTAC, positioned in a location with visibility over the impact area, was responsible for locating the target, requesting air support, deconflicting the airspace, and authorizing the release once all requirements were met and safety measures were ensured.

These exercises, conducted by Spanish forces, strengthen cooperation and reinforce the bonds between the various Spanish units deployed abroad, while also demonstrating their capability to operate effectively in multinational scenarios.

Deployment of Ground Forces on the Eastern Flank - Romania

NATO's Multinational Battle Group in Romania is one of eight counterparts deployed along the Atlantic Alliance's eastern flank to contribute to the deterrence and defence of that area. The activities to be carried out are similar to those already undertaken by the Spanish Armed Forces in Latvia and Slovakia. They will include training exercises as part of the French-led Multinational Battle Group, as well as exercises carried out in cooperation with the Romanian Armed Forces.

At the Warsaw Summit in 2016, it was decided to strengthen "deterrence" as a fundamental tool to ensure the protection of Alliance territory on the eastern flank. Subsequently, at the Madrid Summit in 2022, Collective Defence was recognised by the Alliance as the first priority among the missions envisaged in the new Strategic Concept of the Atlantic Alliance (NATO).

At the Madrid Summit, it was agreed to increase the number of Multinational Battle Groups (MN BGs) deployed on the eastern flank to eight. All of these Battle Groups will have the capability to expand to the level of Multinational Brigades (MN BDE).

Until March 2025, the Spanish contribution to these multinational units took the form of the MN BGs of Latvia and Slovakia, an effort that is now being completed and reinforced with the contribution of a tactical subgroup of Marine Infantry to the Romanian MN BG.

Dedalo' Expeditionary Battle Group Deployment

The ‘Dédalo 25’ is composed of the aircraft carrier ‘Juan Carlos I’, the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’, and the frigate ‘Victoria’. The group is equipped with Harrier AV-8B+ aircraft and SH60B and SH60F helicopters, as well as landing craft from the Naval Beach Group. It also includes Marine Security Operational Teams and a Diving Operational Team. This combination of units provides a unique capability to operate autonomously and ensure full interoperability with allied forces.

The ‘Dédalo 25’ Battle Group provided the Amphibious Force of the ARF during the recent ‘Steadfast Dart 25’ exercise, with more than 1,600 personnel from the ‘Juan Carlos I’ ship, the ‘Blas de Lezo’ and ‘Victoria’ frigates, and the Second Landing Battalion of the Marine Infantry Brigade.

During the deployment, the group is conducting aeronaval and amphibious operations in areas far from national territory, as well as bilateral activities with various NATO allies, including Italy, Greece, and Türkiye.

Through the 'Dedalo' Group, Spain contributes to the Alliance's military commitment in the interests of peace and international security. It also demonstrates its ability to project stability beyond our borders, protecting maritime traffic and the use of international airspace, always in close cooperation with Alliance nations and friendly allies.