Spain is sending nearly 3,000 soldiers to participate in NATO’s largest annual military exercise, ‘Steadfast Dart 25,’ taking place from February 10 to 21. This operation, held on NATO’s eastern flank, is designed to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence capabilities and reinforce its collective defense.
The exercise will test the operational deployment and reinforcement of NATO Response Force (NRF) elements in peacetime. These forces include land, air, sea, and special operations units. All of which will participate under the coordination of NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy. In total, 10,000 troops from nine NATO countries will take part.
Spanish units begin their deployment this Thursday, January 16, through the port of Alexandroupolis in Greece.
Spanish contribution to NATO forces
Spain’s participation in ‘Steadfast Dart 25’ involves units from all branches of its armed forces:
- Army: A reinforced tactical unit of 732 soldiers will represent Spain in the NRF LCC brigade, which is led by the United Kingdom.
- Navy: The largest Spanish contingent, 1,400 soldiers, will deploy aboard the flagship ‘Juan Carlos I’, supported by a ROLE 2B medical unit. The deployment highlights Spain’s maritime strength and readiness.
- Air Force: Forty aerospace personnel will provide operational support and advise on air force operations and command centres. Additionally, the Spanish Air Force will contribute an A400 cargo aircraft, modules from the Air Raid Support Squadron (EADA), and aviation fuel management personnel.
This comprehensive deployment underscores Spain’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense strategy.
Host nations and roles
The exercise will be hosted by three NATO allies: Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. Each country plays a specific role in supporting the operation:
- Greece: Serves as the primary maritime disembarkation port and hosts naval operations. Spanish maritime forces will operate from Alexandroupolis.
- Bulgaria: Focuses on special operations and air force units. A Spanish general will lead the Special Operations component in Bulgaria during the exercise.
- Romania: Acts as the base for the deployment of Spanish and allied Army units, highlighting its strategic importance on NATO’s southeastern flank.
Strategic importance of ‘Steadfast Dart 25’
This large-scale exercise aims to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses and enhance its rapid deployment capabilities. By demonstrating a robust presence in southeastern Europe, NATO sends a clear message of solidarity and readiness to counter potential threats to its member states.
Spain’s participation not only highlights its integral role in NATO’s collective defense strategy but also reflects the alliance’s commitment to operational preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges. As tensions persist near NATO’s borders, exercises like ‘Steadfast Dart 25’ underscore the importance of multinational cooperation and military readiness.