Spanish marine infantry in Romania demonstrates its rapid reaction capability during the Eagle Arrow and Eagle Angel exercises

• The exercises assessed the ability to provide an immediate response to crisis scenarios on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

The R-III Marine Infantry Force (FIMAR R-III), deployed in Romania as part of NATO’s multinational battalion, has taken part in the ‘Eagle Arrow’ and ‘Eagle Angel’ exercises, aimed at strengthening rapid deployment capability, operational response, and medical support in high-demand scenarios.

The ‘Eagle Arrow’ exercise took place at the Joint National Training Center (JNTC) in Cincu and involved the activation of the battalion and the deployment of maneuver units to their assigned positions within the JNTC. Simultaneously, combat service support elements ensured logistical sustainment by providing fuel, ammunition, and supplies to the deployed forces.

Throughout the exercise, continuous operational control was conducted to guarantee freedom of movement for logistical convoys, a key factor in maintaining the Force’s operational capability and the effective execution of the mission. Once the exercise concluded, an orderly and phased redeployment of all deployed elements was carried out.

Also, as part of joint training, FIMAR R-III participated in the “Eagle Angel” exercise, which focused on the health response to a scenario involving multiple casualties (Mass Casualties / MASCAL). This MASCAL scenario describes a situation in which the number of casualties exceeds the immediate healthcare capabilities available. During this phase, the different healthcare teams acted in a coordinated manner in the assessment, treatment and evacuation of simulated casualties, complying with the times established according to the severity of the injuries.

With these two exercises, FIMAR R-III has concluded an intensive period of joint training that reinforces interoperability and Spain’s commitment to NATO’s enhanced forward presence on the eastern flank. 

Land Deployment on the Eastern Flank – Romania

The Multinational Battle Group in Romania is one of eight units deployed along NATO’s eastern flank to contribute to deterrence and defense in the region. The activities conducted are similar to those already carried out by the Spanish Armed Forces deployed in Latvia or Slovakia. These include unit-level exercises and others deemed appropriate, integrated within the French-led Multinational Battle Group, as well as activities conducted in cooperation with the Romanian Armed Forces.

During the 2016 Warsaw Summit, it was decided to strengthen “deterrence” as a fundamental tool to guarantee the protection of Allied territory on the eastern flank. Subsequently, at the 2022 Madrid Summit, the Alliance recognized Collective Defence as the top priority among the missions outlined in NATO’s new Strategic Concept.

At the Madrid Summit, the expansion to eight Multinational Battle Groups (MN BG) deployed on the eastern flank was also agreed. All these Battle Groups will have the capacity to expand to the level of a Multinational Brigade (MN BDE).

To date, Spain's contribution of forces to these multinational units has taken the form of the MN BG in Latvia and Slovakia, along with the contribution of a Marine Corps tactical subgroup to the MN BG in Romania since October 2024.