Robles holds a videoconference with Spanish military personnel deployed in Slovakia, Lithuania, and the Indian Ocean

Group photo of the visit of the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, to the Operations Command, at the Retamar Base

Whether protecting airspace and land on NATO's eastern flank or in waters like the Indian Ocean in the naval sphere, the Spanish Armed Forces maintain their firm commitment to security and collective defence, always within the framework of peace and international order

This was stated by the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during a visit to the Operations Command, where she held videoconferences with Spanish military personnel deployed in Slovakia, Lithuania, and in Operation Atalanta in the Horn of Africa. She thanked them for their professionalism and their contribution to making Spain a respected and reliable ally internationally.

Robles stressed that the 4,500 men and women of the Armed Forces deployed on missions abroad will remain committed to the defence of peacekeeping missions. "These are not easy times, and Spain will do everything possible to contribute to peace and the de-escalation of tensions," Robles affirmed, noting that the missions in which Spain participates always operate under an international framework and will always adhere to current international law, and will in no case be offensive in nature.

During this visit, part of her ongoing contact with the various missions, Robles received updates from personnel of the 'Vilkas' Tactical Air Detachment, which comprises 200 Spanish Air and Space Force personnel deployed in Lithuania, conducting air policing missions on NATO's eastern flank. With a total contribution of twelve aircraft, this represents the largest Spanish air deployment to date on the eastern flank, demonstrating its effectiveness in deterrence and collective defence.

The minister also spoke with the mission in Slovakia, where Spain is leading the formation of the NATO multinational brigade and maintains a multinational Task Force permanently deployed in the town of Lest. Robles asked that Ukraine not be forgotten, "a country we have been supporting for four years," and insisted that "the values of peace and security are the hallmark of Europe."

The Minister for Defence also spoke with the frigate 'Canarias', a ship integrated into Operation Atalanta in the Indian Ocean, a European Union naval mission that contributes to the protection of maritime traffic and stability in a region of particular strategic importance due to its trade routes and fishing grounds.

During the visit, Robles was accompanied by Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero, Commander of the Operations Command, the body responsible at that level for the operational planning, conduct, and monitoring of military operations, both national and multinational, with Spanish participation.

Non official translation