The Diplomat
The Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia is reinforcing its training in the identification, tracking, and interception of drones, an increasingly accessible and, at the same time, more dangerous threat in the Baltic countries.
This was stated on Monday by the commander of the Spanish troops in Latvia, Lieutenant Colonel Jesús Abad, during a videoconference with the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, less than a week before the contingent’s rotation, scheduled for June 13.
“Although in recent weeks we have all been very focused on the situation in Lebanon and Ukraine, we have not forgotten the important role you play in this mission,” said the Minister of Defense during her remarks of gratitude for the work of the contingent, deployed in Latvia as part of the NATO-led International Battle Group.
The Spanish contingent is the second largest in the country. “For this reason, and because of the professionalism with which they work, they have earned the affection and recognition of Latvia,” said Margarita Robles. “In these turbulent and complicated times, their work in the Baltic countries is worthy of mention,” she added.
According to the press release from the Ministry of Defense, a characteristic of our times is the growing role of drones, whose proliferation and low cost have made them an “affordable” threat, but one with significant impact and range. In fact, some models can reach distances of up to 2,500 kilometers.
In this regard, Lieutenant Colonel Jesús Abad reported that “a large part of our efforts are focused on the identification, tracking, and interception of drones.” “The work we are doing is a very enriching experience and generates a level of learning that strengthens our Armed Forces,” he added.
Operation East Flank Latvia XVIII, under the operational command of the Operations Command (MOPS), is comprised of units from the “Guadarrama” XII Brigade, as the core generating unit, as well as personnel from the Logistics Brigade and the Field Artillery Command, among others. Spain is contributing more than 800 personnel, mechanized units, field artillery pieces, logistical support elements, and an air defense unit.
