Spanish Leopard 2E tanks and Pizarro IFVs take part in Oak Strike Shield in Latvia

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As part of the multinational Oak Strike Shield Exercise, Leopard 2E tanks, Pizarro infantry fighting vehicles and various drones once again formed part of the tactical assets deployed by the Spanish Army in Latvia as a member of NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup. The Latvia XIX Eastern Flank Contingent (F/E LVA XIX) is taking part in manoeuvres at the Ādaži Training Area alongside units from the nations making up the Allied presence in the Baltic country.

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Leopard 2E tanks and Pizarro vehicles in Latvia

The Spanish mechanised force is centred on Leopard 2E tanks and Pizarro IFVs, deployed as part of NATO’s Canadian-led Multinational Brigade in Latvia. Alongside these platforms, Spain fields a Field Artillery unit, an Engineer unit, logistics-support elements and an Air Defence Unit equipped with the NASAMS system, completing the assets assigned to the Spanish Tactical Subgroup.

The contingent also operates tracked M-113 armoured personnel carriers, heavy mortars, Combat Engineer Vehicles and Spike anti-tank missiles. These capabilities are complemented by a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) team and a Raven unmanned aircraft, used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, broadening the options available for operations on the ground.

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Oak Strike Shield operations and NATO certification

During Oak Strike Shield, the “Tizona” Tactical Subgroup conducted offensive and defensive operations in an evolving tactical scenario, while the Engineer unit provided mobility and counter-mobility support. The manoeuvres also integrated manoeuvre units with reconnaissance elements, engineers and fire-support assets, as well as unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone equipment intended to strengthen force protection against this threat.

The exercise is one of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup’s main preparation events before Oak Resolve, where its operational and combat readiness will be certified and assessed. Spain’s involvement, supported by assets ranging from main battle tanks and mechanised vehicles to unmanned systems and air defence, is therefore part of the Allied deployment intended to reinforce NATO’s presence and response capability on its eastern flank.

Image credits: Spanish Ministry of Defence.