Robles: 'Our commitment to peace and to the Atlantic Alliance is unwavering'

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, with personnel from the Spanish detachment 'Vilkas' at Siauliai Air Base (Lithuania)

Margarita Robles reiterated the support and offer of capabilities on the eastern flank, where the Spanish Armed Forces are recognised by allied countries for their professionalism, resources and contribution to stability.

A total of eight Eurofighters, an A400 aircraft for in-flight refuelling, essential for the quality of the mission and the duration of the interventions, together with almost 200 military personnel, make the Spanish presence an indispensable tool for Lithuania and for the defence of its airspace.

This was the main message that the Lithuanian Minister of Defence, Dovilė Šakalienė, conveyed to Margarita Robles during their meeting, prior to their visit to the personnel of the 'Vilkas' Tactical Air Detachment at the Siauliai Air Base (Lithuania).

At this meeting, Šakalienė thanked Spain for its contribution, "at a time when Russia is putting the Alliance to the test with drone incursions".

"That is why Spain's solidarity in stopping aggression and working for common security is so important", he said, while applauding Spain's support for Ukraine and its participation in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM).

Robles expressed her total commitment to defending peace and to doing so through diplomatic channels, "as the reliable and responsible partner that Spain is", but not before pointing out that "Russia must know that threats will not break our country's commitment to the work, cooperation and unity of the Alliance in favour of freedom and security".

The minister emphasised, at this point, the concern that countries such as Lithuania are experiencing in the face of the latest threats. And this is because the drone incursions have been much more intense in the last month, as the head of the 'Vilkas' detachment pointed out.

Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Holgado explained that "Spain's role in this area is to deter and provide security in Lithuanian airspace. This is achieved through rigorous training and the exceptional skills of the detachment members who, once alerted to an incursion, are ready to take off in just 15 minutes".

Spain, part of the Baltic Air Policing Mission since 2006.

Spain has been part of the Baltic Air Policing Mission since 2006, a mission that was reinforced by NATO in 2014. Since then there have been 69 rotations of Spanish airmen.

The current detachment was activated last August and ends on 30 November, when it will be replaced by the 70th rotation. To maintain the high standards required, mid-deployment crew reliefs are scheduled.

Non official translation