In Romania, ‘our operational flexibility and the expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps make us highly valued asset’

•  Major Rafael Mena López, Chief of Marine Corps in Romania-ll (FIMAR-II), discusses Spain’s role in the Multinational Battlegroup (MN BG), led by France

Marines Forces in Romania-ll (FIMAR-II), deployed in the framework of French-led Multinational Battlegroup (MN BG), represents Spain’s commitment with global security along the East Flank of the Atlantic Alliance.  This second phase reaffirms and consolidates the ability of our Armed Forces to operate in multinational environments, while simultaneously demonstrating the adaptability of Marine Infantry units to new challenges in Europe’s evolving security landscape.

At the head of the Spanish contingent is Major Rafael Mena López; an officer who has held various positions within the Marine Infantry Brigade ‘Tercio de Armada’ and who holds extensive international experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, EUMAN-UA and the Expeditionary Combat Group ‘Dédalo’. Reflecting on his stay in Romania, he highlights ‘the professionalism, cohesion and commitment of his Marine Infantry personnel in effectively executing their mission’ and notably ‘the immense honour of receiving the support of His Majesty King Felipe VI during his visit to the Spanish contingent in early June’.

Major, this is the second phase of the Marine Corps in Romania, How did you prepare for this NATO mission?

Our preparation began in November 2024, with the Force’s enlistment, followed by an intensive period of training, integration and assessment, aimed primarily at ensuring unit cohesion. This preparation, together with lessons learned from the first phase, has enabled us to optimize our procedures and strengthen interoperability with allied forces.

I would like to emphasise that, during this period, part of the contingent was deployed in Valencia, to support the population most affected by the flooding caused by the DANA, which became our top priority.

What does this deployment to Romania mean for the Marine Corps and for Spain?

Deploying to Romania represents a significant milestone for our Marine Corps, as it enables the consolidation of its role as an expeditionary force within the Armed Forces. It also provides an opportunity to contribute our distinctive capabilities and to demonstrate our adaptability in environments beyond the maritime domain. Furthermore, this deployment clearly reflects Spain’s steadfast commitment to the defence of Allied territory in response to the evolving security landscape in Europe.

Within this framework, Spanish armed forces’ substantial engagement in the region —currently participating in five NATO missions— enhances deterrence against any potential threat, strengthens interoperability and cooperation with Allied nations, and, ultimately, reinforces both national security and the safety of Spanish society.

Lastly, our mission in Romania offers strategic flexibility and serves as an excellent opportunity to showcase our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges.

New challenges in Romania; How does this situation impact the operational readiness of your unit?

The main challenge is to operate effectively within a multinational environment, where interoperability and coordination are of paramount importance. Unlike stabilisation, advisory or training missions, the permanent deployment of multinational forces on NATO’s eastern flank has a distinctly defensive and deterrent nature.

In this context, our deployment in Romania yields significant operational benefits for our unit. Beyond the fulfilment of executing our assigned mission, we gain valuable operational experience, enhance our tactical capabilities, and strengthen the unit’s readiness for future joint operations.

You are deployed as part of a multinational unit led by France . How is cooperation with other forces, and what is the contribution of Spanish personnel?

Cooperation with our Allies is excellent. France leads a cohesive and well-integrated Battlegroup, to which Spanish personnel —bringing our unique character and distinctive traits— contribute operational experience, a high level of readiness, and a strong capacity for adaptation. 

Our operational flexibility and the expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps make us a highly valued asset within the Battlegroup. Indeed, our unit is increasingly taking on additional responsibilities within the mission framework, such as conducting training in waterborne operations and survival for Romanian forces, as well as providing JTAC certification (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) for other contingents.

Humbly, yet with deep contentment, this stands as a clear demonstration of Spain’s meaningful contribution to the multinational force deployed in Romania.

In Romania, you are deploying your amphibious competence along the Black Sea coast . What are the implications of this training?

This amphibious mission provides an opportunity to train in a real strategic environment, which strengthens our ability to project force from the sea. It also enhances interoperability with Allied forces and boosts our readiness to conduct amphibious operations alongside other NATO nations.  On the other hand, our deployment in Romania serves to reinforce and consolidate a cooperation initiative that began in 2024, when Romanian Marine Corps units participated in operational activities alongside us as part of the Expeditionary Battlegroup ‘Dédalo’.

At both professional and personal level, what does this deployment to Romania, leading your Marine Corps unit, represent for you?

Above all, I would highlight the professionalism, cohesion and commitment of the whole contingent, composed by men and women from various Marine Corps, mainly belonging to the Bay of Cadiz. All of them have made proof of an extraordinary level of readiness and sense of Service, having taken part in deployments ‘Dédalo’ 23-2 and ‘Dédalo’ 24, as well as in the support operation to victims in Valencia. Despite the demanding level of all those missions and that of our current deployment in Romania, their motivation, camaraderie and sense of duty remain undamaged and have been empowered.

On a personal level, it is both and honour and a great responsibility to be in command of this mission in Romania; particularly because I am aware that there are few commanders leading contingents abroad. To lead this Marine Corps unit in a multinational operation represents a professional challenge and also an opportunity to contribute to national security and that of our allies. Moreover, it is a profoundly enriching human experience, to remain very memorable in my professional career.