Else Beekman
For the first time, Spain is at the helm of a NATO multinational brigade, preparing forces to repel any potential hostile action from Russia. Located just 290 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, in the military base of Riecky, Slovakia, this Spanish-led brigade is part of NATO’s strategy to bolster its eastern flank.
Since July 2024, Spain has led a brigade composed of 2,800 soldiers from six NATO countries:
- Spain
- Czech Republic
- Slovenia
- Portugal
- Turkey
- Slovakia
Of these, 1,100 troops are currently stationed in Slovakia. Herein, 800 Spanish soldiers making up the majority. This deployment is now the largest Spanish military mission abroad, surpassing the Spanish contingent stationed in Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force.
The Spanish troops, primarily from the Paratrooper Brigade (Bripac) and the Army’s Logistics Brigade, are responsible for ensuring that NATO forces are fully prepared to defend the eastern border of Europe against any potential threats from Russia.
Rigorous training to counter hostile actions
In response to the growing threat of Russian aggression, the NATO forces in Slovakia are undergoing intense training exercises. This week’s ‘Beta’ exercise simulated an enemy invasion of allied territory. The training involved a strategic retreat by NATO forces. Additionally, followed by a coordinated counterattack using a variety of military assets, including armored vehicles, anti-tank missiles, and artillery.
Colonel Pereda, one of the Spanish commanders, explained that the goal of the exercise was to exhaust the enemy’s ammunition before launching a decisive counterattack. Spanish and Slovenian forces succeeded in neutralising enemy units with Spike anti-tank missiles, showcasing their ability to repel an invasion.
Advanced military technology in action
Spain has deployed its ‘Centauro’ armoured vehicles in Slovakia for the first time, supporting ground operations alongside Portuguese Leopard 2A6 tanks. These vehicles played a key role in securing key positions and allowing infantry units to advance through simulated hostile territory.
In addition to conventional military operations, Spain has introduced cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities. These include the ‘Cervus’ anti-drone system, which disrupts enemy drones up to a kilometre away.
NATO’s forward command prepared for action
While most of the Spanish contingent operates from Lest, strategic planning takes place at NATO’s Forward Command in Kuchyña. There, 33 Spanish soldiers coordinate with NATO’s headquarters in Bétera, Valencia. From Bétera, Spain leads NATO’s rapid-response force, capable of deploying 60,000 troops within 10 days to defend against any major threat.