Successful completion of strategic withdrawal from Slovakia following operational activity “Strong Lineage 2025”

•  The strategic projection to do this exercise has marked a logistical and operational milestone for the Spanish Armed Forces, as well as for strengthening interoperability and response capacity on NATO's eastern flank

After weeks of intense activity at the training centre in the town of Lest, the reverse RSOM process (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement in military terminology), which involves the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from Slovakia to Spain, has been successfully completed. In this context, the port of Vigo will receive on the 30th the material used by the participating units to carry out the operational activity “Strong Lineage 25”, with proven success and certified by NATO. This operational rehearsal has meant the certification with excellence of the expansion of the Battle Group, deployed permanently in Slovakia, to a Brigade level force led by Spain.

The arrival of the equipment marks the end of an activity that has demonstrated, once again, the ability of Spanish forces to project, sustain and recover forces in a multinational environment and at great distances, thus guaranteeing the security and efficiency of strategic transit.

The main logistical challenges of Operation Strong Lineage 25 include the following:

1.     Intermodal coordination: The combined movement of personnel and material by land, air and sea requires precise and synchronised planning. This has ensured that getting equipment to the right place at the right time is a critical task.

2.     Allied interoperability: Integrating logistical means and procedures between allied nations involves adaptations to different technical, doctrinal and communication standards, which is an added effort to maintain operational fluidity.

3.     Forward area support: Establishing logistics capabilities on Slovakian territory involves deploying temporary support infrastructure, supply management, equipment maintenance and medical care in conditions far from permanent bases.

4.     Management of the reverse RSOM: The phase of redeployment to Spain requires detailed control of the orderly return of personnel and resources. The arrival of the material at the port of Vigo marks the success of this process, but also represents a challenge in terms of traceability, cargo control and compliance with operational deadlines.

This “Strong Lineage 25” operational activity, which has finally culminated with the arrival of all the material and equipment at their home bases, has tested not only the tactical mobility of the units involved, but also multinational coordination in complex and highly demanding scenarios. Spain's participation has focused on reinforcing rapid deployment procedures, logistical support and operational sustainment, essential pillars in the framework of NATO's collective deterrence and defence missions.

Following its completion and the safe return of all personnel and material, the Armed Forces consolidate their role as a key player in regional stability and in the defence of the values shared by the international community. The experience acquired during “Strong Lineage 2025” will be fundamental for future joint operations, and has positioned Spain at the forefront of European military capabilities.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

The Spanish mission Slovakia begins on 20 January 2024 with the arrival of an advanced element of the Galicia VII Brigade - BRILAT - at the Lest manoeuvre range, with the aim of preparing the conditions necessary to assume the role of lead nation/framework nation for NATO forces deployed in Slovakia, a role that was being performed at the time by the Czech Republic.

This handover took place on 30 June 2024. This was a milestone for the Armed Forces, as Spain assumed, for the first time, the leadership of a Multinational Brigade in the framework of NATO.

This mission aims to guarantee the integrity of allied territory, in particular in Slovakia, by leading a multinational brigade in close cooperation with the host nation that contributes to preventing conflict in a credible manner and, at the same time, with the intention of facilitating the prevention of possible escalation.