The Marine Corps deployed in Romania participates in the multinational exercise 'Dacian Fall 25'

•  NATO's Multinational Division Southeast Headquarters is leading this allied manoeuvre, which coincides with the Battlegroup increase to brigade level

The second Spanish Marine Corps Force deployed in Romania (FIMAR-RII), which is part of the Forward Land Forces Battlegroup (FLF BG), is involved in the multinational exercise Dacian Fall 25 (DAFA25). This activity, led by NATO's Multinational Division Southeast Headquarters (HQ MND-SE), involves more than 5,000 military personnel and nearly 1,200 assets, and will run until 13 November. It is part of the Atlantic Alliance's effort to strengthen the comprehensive protection of its eastern flank.

This operational activity is carried out at various training grounds in Romania, including Cincu (the base for the Spanish contingent), Smârdan, Babadag and Capu Midia. In addition, NATO forces are also deployed in Bulgaria (Novo Selo).

To make this large-scale deployment possible, strategic movements have been carried out by rail and road to transport units and equipment to the aforementioned Romanian training grounds. During logistical transits, measures are taken to protect the force and deployment corridors, which were made possible thanks to prior planning and coordination, as well as civil-military cooperation.

In this exercise, the FLF BG —led by France as the framework nation— will increase its entity and strength to brigade level with the integration of units arriving from France, as well as other allied contributions, allowing for the consolidation of common procedures, interoperability and response capacity under NATO standards. Thus, under the command of MND-SE, the participating units — including the Spanish force — will focus on their full integration to consolidate the transition of NATO's Multinational Battlegroups in Romania and Bulgaria to full brigade-level formations.

Spain, a key player in the Dacian Fall 25

In this context, the FIMAR-RII contingent will be present in all phases of the DAFA25 exercise. Thus, some 180 marines and more than 40 vehicles will be deployed between the three training grounds located in eastern Romania.

In this operational activity, the Spanish component will play a key role in the amphibious and riverine operations to be carried out in the Danube delta, adding an amphibious vector to the division's land manoeuvre, while reinforcing Allied deterrence in the area of responsibility. All in all, the projection of force in a coastal environment will be tested, as well as its integration with Romanian units.

Deployment of NATO ground forces in Romania

Romania's Multinational Battlegroup (MN BG) —also known as FLF BG— is one of eight counterparts deployed along the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance, providing a significant reinforcement to deterrence and defence in this area

Until September 2024, Spain's contribution of forces to these multinational units present in NATO countries in Eastern Europe took the form of the MN BG Latvia and the MN BDE TF Slovakia, the latter led by Spain. From then on, Spain's effort was complemented by the contribution of a Marine Corps Tactical Subgroup —now in its second rotation— to the MN BG in Romania.

In Romania, the deployment of FIMAR demonstrates Spain's commitment to the security of the alliance and enhances interoperability with our allies, thereby contributing to stability in south-eastern Europe.