In early June, Colonel Jesús Martínez Victoria completed his tenure at the helm of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Slovakia, a command that has been deemed particularly rewarding.

Leading the Regimiento Príncipe No. 3 of the Spanish Army's air assault division, Martínez Victoria oversaw this mission, which is strategically situated on NATO's Eastern flank, closest to Russian territory.

Spain's leadership has recently been validated through the NATO operational activity known as Strong Lineage 2025, conducted in Slovakia, which has received a near-perfect assessment from the Alliance.

Martínez Victoria emphasized Spain's preparedness to respond to any threats originating from the East, including potential actions from Russia.

This operation garnered significant attention, culminating in a visit by King Felipe VI, who observed the exercises alongside senior military officials.

The operational phase of this NATO exercise occurred from June 6 to June 10, involving approximately 2,000 troops from seven nations, including 1,400 Spanish personnel.

The evaluation process adhered to NATO's stringent standards, encompassing 580 criteria across various disciplines such as command and control, air defense, medical support, intelligence, and logistics.

The results indicated that the multinational brigade led by Spain achieved a commendable NATO excellence rating, with 95% of the evaluation criteria meeting the highest standards.

Data from the NATO Land Component Command confirms this achievement, indicating no criteria were rated in the red zone during the assessment.

Martínez Victoria reflected on the preparation efforts since the brigade's establishment on December 16, emphasizing the rigorous training and logistical coordination that built up to the operation.

More than 600 vehicles were utilized in the exercise, including Uro Vamtac armored vehicles, drones, and the Leopard 2A4 tanks.

In the months leading up to the operation, Spanish forces prepared the necessary aviation infrastructure, deploying multiple helicopters, including two Tiger, two Chinook, and one NH-90, which arrived in mid-May.

The operation was overseen by Brigadier General Alfonso Pardo de Santayana, the leader of the air assault unit, who traveled to Slovakia specifically to command the multinational forces.

The NATO verification process assesses troop capabilities and readiness under rigorous criteria, covering various operational aspects such as communication, tactical maneuvers, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense.

The exercise simulated a defensive operation within a fictional scenario aimed at preventing enemy penetration into allied territory, echoing broader concerns about potential Russian aggression against NATO member states.

During the maneuvers, the multinational brigade practiced command and control actions, tactical movements, electronic warfare, and cyber defense, achieving compliance with all required parameters.

As Martínez Victoria prepares to hand over command to Colonel Ángel José Espiga Gómez, who leads the Regimiento de Caballería Farnesio 12, both commanders underscored the significance of interoperability among the forces, which is essential for effective operations within multinational environments.

Colonel Espiga Gómez noted that adapting to operational needs and maintaining a unified command approach would be paramount in sustaining the mission's success.

The NATO readiness evaluation is a considerable benchmark, with not all brigades successfully passing the criteria.

The Spanish Armed Forces prioritize developing methods that enhance interoperability, allowing different nations to operate cohesively despite cultural and language differences, which is critical for effective collaboration in the enduring effort to maintain regional security.