Spain took command of NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Slovakia on 1 July 2024, succeeding the Czech Republic, which had led the battlegroup since its establishment in 2022. The handover ceremony was held at the military base in Lešť.
Troops from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia are deployed alongside the 700 Spanish troops as part of the battlegroup, bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defence in eastern Europe.
Spanish military personnel were recently involved leading another multinational exercise, ’Slovak Shield’, which was part of ‘Steadfast Defender 24’: NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.
The battlegroup, one of eight stationed along NATO’s eastern borders, has showcased its ability to quickly form a multinational combat brigade in less than 10 days. Since the deployment of the Spanish contingent earlier this year, it has been a key element in bolstering the security and readiness of the region.
Utilising the Spanish NATO Rapid Deployment Corps (NRDC), Spain has also taken command of an army corps operating in the Hungary/Slovakia area. This unit, under the Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, is responsible for conducting vital tactical operations on NATO’s eastern flank. An advanced element of the Spanish NRDC headquarters has been deployed to ensure effective co-ordination with host countries and other military units.
In addition, Spanish forces are integral to the Canadian-led battlegroup in Latvia, where they operate with advanced military equipment, including Leopard 2E main battle tanks and Pizarro infantry combat vehicles. Spanish air defence units are also stationed in Latvia and Estonia, contributing to NATO’s overall deterrence and defence capabilities.
