Spain prepares to perform a key role in the Steadfast Dart 25 (SDTD25)the largest exercise that NATO will carry out this year. This event, which will take place between February 10 and 21, aims to “test and train the operational deployment capability of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) on the eastern flank of the Alliance”.
In total, almost 3,000 Spanish soldiers They will be deployed in different facets of the exercise, which will be essential to guarantee preparation for possible threats to security in the Euro-Atlantic space.
MCOE Leadership
One of the most notable aspects of Spain’s participation will be the leadership of the Joint Special Operations Command (MCOE)which for the first time he will head the Special Operations Component of the ARFhighlighting the fundamental role of the country in this type of missions.
The Spanish deployment began on January 16 with the strategic movement of means of the Army by sea to the Greek port of Alexandrópolis. In SDTD25, Spain will contribute with units from different Alliance commands.
Some 730 troops will be part of the Land Component Commandwhile approximately 1,400 Spanish soldiers will make up the Maritime Component Commandparticipating with an amphibious group and the flagship Juan Carlos I. In addition, the Air and Space Army will support the exercise with advisory personnel and an A400, as well as modules from the Air Deployment Support Squadron (EADA).
The exercise, organized by Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and led by Joint Command Naples, will focus on the planning and execution of multidomain activities prior to a crisis. Its goal will be to strengthen allied forces deployed in Romania, Greece and Bulgaria, countries designated as host nations for the exercise.
For its part, the ARFis “a force strategicof high availability and with multi-domain capabilitycapable of deploy in a very short time and increase its composition through scalable force packages.” “It is capable of carrying out a full spectrum of missions, ranging from establishing themselves as rapid deployment strategic reserve in crisis situations, to act as deterrent force or rapid deployment in response to emerging crises,” the Ministry adds.
