On June 8, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, held a videoconference with the Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia, whose relief is scheduled for June 13. During her speech, the minister emphasized the importance of the mission that these soldiers carry out within the framework of the International Combat Group under NATO mandate, despite the media attention focused on conflicts such as those in Lebanon and Ukraine.
The Spanish contingent, which is the second largest in Latvia, has gained the appreciation and recognition of the local population thanks to its professionalism. Robles stressed that in times of uncertainty and tension, the work of these troops in the Baltic countries is fundamental and deserves to be highlighted. In this context, the minister also addressed the growing importance of drones in current conflicts, noting that their low cost makes them an accessible threat, but one of great impact.
Lieutenant Colonel Jesús Abad, in charge of the contingent, assured that a significant part of their efforts is dedicated to the identification, tracking, and interception of drones. Operation Flanco Este Letonia XVIII, under the Operations Command (MOPS), consists of more than 800 Spanish personnel, including mechanized and artillery units, as well as an Air Defense unit. This presence reaffirms Spain’s commitment to the security and defense of its allies in the region.
