Demonstration of FIMAR-RII's operational capabilities in the multinational exercise 'Dacian Fall 25'

•  The Spanish Marine Corps demonstrates its amphibious capabilities and interoperability with the forces of the multinational division on the eastern flank of the Alliance

The multinational exercise Dacian Fall 25 (DAFA25) has concluded with a demonstration of capabilities at the Cincu training camp (Joint National Training Centre, JNTC), alongside two secondary demonstrations at the Smârdan and Capul Midia training camps. The Romanian Marine Corps (FIMAR-RII), deployed on NATO's Eastern Flank mission, participated in all phases of the exercise, efficiently fulfilling its assigned training objectives.

During the STX (Specialist Training Exercises) phase, carried out in Smârdan, the Spanish unit joined with Romanian and French forces to reinforce common procedures and interoperability. In the logistical movement towards the FTX (Field Training Exercises) phase in Babadag, FIMAR-RII deployed personnel and resources in order to demonstrate the suitability of its vehicles for travel outside the manoeuvre fields.

This second phase was marked by amphibious raids in the Danube delta, where an assault was carried out on the coastal area, demonstrating the added value of joint manoeuvres. These actions were attended by the commander of the Multinational Division, Major General Dorin Toma, and the second in command, Brigadier General Cyril Mathias, who were able to see first-hand the level of training of the FIMAR.

In addition, FIMAR-RII participated in two scenarios: a mechanised section in the main demonstration in Cincu and another section in the parallel activity in Smârdan. The Spanish ambassador to NATO, Federico Torres Muro, and Major General Manuel de la Chica Camuñez of the Air and Space Force, as military representative, were present at this final demonstration of the division's capabilities. Brigadier General José María Sanz Alisedo, head of the Marine Corps Brigade ‘Tercio de Armada’, also attended. All of them were able to see first-hand the capabilities of the deployed force, as well as meeting with FIMAR military personnel to learn about their living and working conditions.

In his assessment of this training activity, the head of FIMAR-R, Commander Rafael Mena López, highlighted the professionalism of the contingent and the logistical demand of the deployment: "We have demonstrated the commitment of Spain and the Marine Corps to our allies, as well as our amphibious capabilities in complex terrain. Having to deploy all our resources to the opposite side of the country has been logistically very stressful, but thanks to the effort and determination of my marines, we have passed the test."

Around 180 military personnel and more than 40 vehicles made up Spain's participation in DAFA25. This involvement has strengthened relations with allied contingents and, above all, with the Romanian marines, with whom it has been possible to exchange procedures and lessons learned. FIMAR-RII thus finishes a training exercise that reaffirms the expeditionary capability of the Spanish Armed Forces, faithful to their commitment to deterrence and defence on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

Land deployment on the Eastern Flank – Romania

The Romanian Multinational Battle Group is one of eight counterparts deployed along the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance to contribute to the deterrence and defence of this area. The activities to be carried out are similar to those already being carried out by the Spanish Armed Forces deployed in Latvia and Slovakia. Among them, doing exercises by the unit itself and others deemed appropriate, integrated into the Multinational Battle Group led by France, as well as those carried out in cooperation with the Romanian Armed Forces.

During the 2016 Warsaw Summit, it was decided to strengthen ‘deterrence’ as a fundamental tool for ensuring the protection of allied territory on the eastern flank. Subsequently, at the 2022 Madrid Summit, the Alliance recognised Collective Defence as the top priority among the missions outlined in the new Strategic Concept of the Atlantic Alliance (NATO).

During the aforementioned Madrid Summit, it was agreed to expand to eight Multinational Battle Groups (MN BG) deployed on the Eastern Flank. All of these Battle Groups will have the capacity to expand to the level of Multinational Brigade (MN BDE).

Until the end of 2024, Spain's contribution of forces to these multinational units will take the form of the MN BG in Latvia and, as the framework nation, in Slovakia. From then on, Spain's contribution will be joined by a Marine Corps tactical subgroup to the MN BG in Romania.