The deployment of Spanish troops to the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Slovakia is expected in January 2024. Specific capabilities and numbers should be known after the autumn exercise. The total number of troops in the Battle Group is not expected to exceed 3,000, as specified in the current mandate. The Ministry adds that around 400 Spanish troops will participate in the DEPLOYEX exercise in the autumn. On this basis, specific capabilities and troop numbers will be defined later. At the NATO summit in Vilnius, the Czech Republic also announced the reinforcement of Slovak troops. The exact numbers will be the subject of further negotiations. There are currently about 1,000 professional soldiers operating within the NATO group in Slovakia. The Multinational Battle Groups within NATO's enhanced presence were created as a deterrent tool for the Alliance in response to the annexation of Crimea. Following Russia's attack on Ukraine, Allies agreed to establish Multinational Battle Groups along NATO's entire eastern flank, including in Slovakia.
Source: TASR
