Steadfast Dart 25, NATO's largest annual exercise, has ended with an out-standing Spanish involvement

• After eleven days of exercise, led by NRDC Italy, the fast projection capabilities of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) in different areas have been demonstrated

'Steadfast Dart 25' (SDTD25), the first Allied Reaction Force (ARF) deployment exercise and NATO's most visible exercise in 2025, has concluded.

In terms of planning and preparation, the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) in Naples took the lead, while NATO Headquarters Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC) Italy managed the execution phase. 

From February 10 to 21, the different multinational components - with a very prominent Spanish presence - have demonstrated the responsiveness and integration of the forces of the Alliance nations in a multinational and joint operation, with their deployment, operational activities and training in Bulgaria, Romania and Greece.

The Spanish Armed Forces have deployed around 3,200 military personnel distributed among the four component commands of the ARF. In addition to this important deployment, the Joint Special Operations Command (MCOE) has led, for the first time, the NATO Special Operations Component.

Spain, present in the four component commands

In STDT 25, the Spanish Expeditionary Battle Group 'Dédalo' (GCE Dédalo) has established itself as a key element within the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) Maritime Component Command, to which it has provided amphibious and naval air projection capabilities. During the last weeks, the 'GCE Dédalo' has developed an intense program of activities in the Aegean Sea, which has demonstrated its ability to operate in a high intensity environment alongside NATO forces.

Regarding the units of the Spanish Army, which are part of the Land Component Command, led by the United Kingdom, the support of the host country (Romania) and the good condition of its training areas have made it possible to carry out all kinds of exercises related to the different disciplines, from combat capabilities to logistic support or communications. All in all, the reactive, logistical and military capacity demonstrated by the Spanish military personnel has made it clear that the Legion is ready to be deployed in any field.

Concerning the Air and Space Force, the STDT25 exercise has been an opportunity for collaboration and training with other components: maritime and special operations. The Spanish JFAC -the national air command and control element-, among other missions, has coordinated and integrated the air activity of the specific means of the Rapid Reaction Force, together with others that already exist in the area.  

In the words of Colonel Carlos Jiménez, head of the JFAC cell of the Combat Air Command, who has been in charge of air control through the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) Torrejón. Spain “has demonstrated its capacity to fulfill the commitments acquired in NATO's common defense, through an efficient and flexible deployment of capabilities adapted to the needs of each situation”.

Finally, the Special Operations Component Command has achieved all the objectives set by NATO, in addition to achieving perfect interoperability with the Bulgarian and Greek Special Forces. In this way, it has reaffirmed its high level of integration and advanced capabilities in complex environments. During these weeks, the Spanish special operations units have been trained in a joint and coordinated method within a dynamic environment and in different areas.

In this context, the collaboration among nations underlines the shared commitment to collective defense and readiness to respond to any challenge within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance and, as noted by the head of the Special Operations Component Command, General Ángel Ramón Herrezuelo, “our forces have demonstrated not only their readiness and professionalism, but also their ability to integrate and operate with our Bulgarian allies with efficiency and determination.” “This exercise strengthens our joint responsiveness and prepares us better for future challenges. I am deeply proud of the performance of the Spanish operations units in this exercise,” added General Herrezuelo.

DACIA 25

Starting today, February 22, the NATO ARF 25 Land Component Command - Spanish ground forces included - will begin its participation in the Romanian national military exercise Dacia 25, which will last until February 28.

“This exercise -underlines the Lieutenant Colonel Ignacio Puertas Velarde, commander of the VII ‘Colón’ Flag of the Legion- has been a challenge and an opportunity for our units. In special, by the great amount of capabilities that have been deployed showing the determination of Spain in fulfilling the commitments acquired. For this purpose, a meticulous preparation has been carried out, similar to that of an international mission, and much more demanding than the usual international exercises”.