Participation of the Spanish Air and Space Force in the NATO exercise 'Steadfast Dart 25'

• In addition to the Eurofighters of the ‘Paznic’ Detachment and the A-400, personnel from the Parachute Sapper Squadron and the Deployment Support Squadron are also deployed.

Several units from the Spanish Air and Space Force are taking part in NATO's Steadfast Dart 25 (STDT25) exercise, which runs until 21 February. This training exercise involves the strategic deployment of the capabilities provided by NATO countries for the new Allied Reaction Force (ARF) concept.

Steadfast Dart simulates the strategic deployment and subsequent process of distributing forces and capabilities across the target area in response to an international crisis. This deployment of forces to Romania, Bulgaria and Greece reinforces the host nations' defence capabilities and contributes to the de-escalation of the exercise scenario through deterrence and demonstration of their operational capabilities.

In this context, the Spanish Air and Space Force contributes to STDT25 by projecting the capabilities offered to NATO for the ARF. For Air Component Command, these are logistical support assets, as well as deployable modules to reinforce airfield and airbase capabilities in the area.

They also provide personnel for special operations, which have been integrated into the Special Operations Component Command (SOCC). The STDT25 SOCC includes personnel and assets from the Parachute Sapper Squadron (EZAPAC) and the 48th Wing. In addition, the 31st Wing (with an A-400M aircraft) and the Deployment Support Squadron (EADA) are also part of the air component. 

For its part, the ESP JFAC - the national air command and control element - participates in STDT25 through the integration of organic elements into the Air Command and Control structure. The ESP JFAC is responsible for the coordinating and integrating air activities of the specific resources of the Rapid Reaction Force, together other resources already present in the area, such as the Eurofighter aircraft of the PAZNIC detachment in Romania, belonging to the 14th Wing.