The Spanish Verification Unit participates in a Vienna Document 2011 event in Denmark, where new military equipment was presented

• Spain plans to host its Vienna Document 2011 event from 10 to 13 November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

A representative of the Spanish Verification Unit of the EMAD attended a Vienna Document 2011 event in Denmark, together with representatives from 32 other OSCE countries.

This activity consisted of a visit to Karup Air Base and Holstebro Military Base, home to the Armoured-Mechanised Regiment called ‘Jutland Dragoons’, composed of a tank battalion, a mechanised infantry battalion and a training battalion for replacement soldiers.

In addition, three new models introduced into the armed forces over the last five years were presented at the Oksbol military base: the Atmos 155mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzer, the Puls MLRS 6x6 rocket launcher, and the Spike wire-guided anti-tank missile on the 4x4 Eagle 5.

This event was attended by 68 delegates from 32 countries belonging to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and a representative from the OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC). It is worth noting the presence of countries that rarely attend these events: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

During the event, delegates attended conferences given by each of the units and also had the opportunity to know the facilities, learn about personnel instruction and training, see the different equipment used and observe the daily activities of the units visited, as stipulated in DV11. They were also able to talk to personnel from the different units, watch static and dynamic demonstrations, and see first-hand the new weapons system that is coming into service in the Danish Armed Forces.

Before finishing the event, attendees carried out an assessment, which was satisfactory as it more than met the requirements stipulated in agreement DV11.

The Spanish Verification Unit is responsible for ensuring compliance with the conventional armament control treaties and agreements signed by Spain within the framework of the OSCE, in order to contribute to the development and strengthening of international peace, stability and security.

In this regard, DV11 stipulates that participating States must organise, at least once every five years, a visit to an air base and a military facility. These visits are known as ‘DV Events’. Spain plans to organise its event from 10 to 13 November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.