Friday. 29.03.2024

The Spanish Armed Forces will reinforce with 150 soldiers the Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia in the NATO Battle Group, in the framework of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission, the Madrid government announced on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, "this operational adjustment" is contemplated in the agreements of the Council of Ministers "on peacekeeping missions" abroad.

Through this agreement, "nearly 150 soldiers" will soon join the almost 350 troops currently deployed in Latvia, mostly from the X Guzmán el Bueno Brigade (Córdoba), under the operational control of the Spanish Operations Command.

According to the government, this initiative is part of the "response plans to preserve peace and security, approved by all member countries after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia."

The additional capacities contributed by Spain will be a field artillery unit, an engineers unit (sappers and supports), and logistical support capacities.

Enhanced Reinforced Presence (eFP)

The eFP mission aims to maintain deterrence against any aggression against NATO's Baltic allies, through a deployment of a defensive nature.

According to the government, the mission responds to the existing commitment within the Alliance to help allied countries.

NATO already has four multinational tactical groups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

Spain will send more troops to reinforce NATO Battle Group in Latvia