Strong Lineage 25: Multinational force integration progresses in Slovakia
NATO Allied Land Command
Jun 11 2025
The "Strong Lineage 25" military exercise, conducted in Slovakia and led by the Galicia VII Spanish Brigade, has reached a key milestone with the completion of the strategic projection phase for personnel and equipment.
June 11, 2025 - With the arrival of various contingents and tactical material at the Lešt training area on 30 May, the operational rehearsal enters a new stage: the integration phase of all participating units. Spain, as the framework nation of the multinational brigade in Slovakia, coordinates the entire operation's planning; standardizes command and control procedures among all command posts; harmonizes tactics, techniques, and combat procedures under NATO standards; and ensures interoperability across all communications systems.
This integration phase concluded on 6 June, after which a three-day exercise was conducted based on a specifically designed tactical scenario. This involved all combat units, combat support units, and logistics/medical support units of the multinational brigade, with support from Spanish HA-28 Tiger, NH-90, and two HT-17 Chinook helicopters.
The multinational brigade is equipped with Leopard 2A6 tanks, BVP-1 and BVP-2 armored vehicles, Centauro combat vehicles, PANDUR II and Patria AMV armored vehicles, and VAMTAC ST5 vehicles with various weapons systems and missiles.
Combat support units include VERT and BPzV reconnaissance vehicles, VAMTAC engineer vehicles, Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, fire support with 105mm Howitzer, electronic warfare and cyber defense equipment, anti-tank systems with Spike missiles, air defense systems with Mistral missiles, CERVUS anti-drone systems, and UAVs such as Orbiter and Raven.
From a medical standpoint, a reinforced ROLE1+ unit has been deployed with capabilities for primary care, specialized first aid, triage, resuscitation, stabilization, and casualty evacuation.
The execution of this tactical scenario allowed NATO's Land Command (LANDCOM) to verify the scaling-up process of the deployed unit in Slovakia to brigade level. This ensured that the increase in capabilities meets the Alliance's defined requirements. This operational rehearsal not only enhances military readiness but also demonstrates NATO's ability to deploy and coordinate forces swiftly, effectively, and reliably.
With interoperability as a central pillar, Strong Lineage 25 stands out as a key event in consolidating collective defense, ensuring that Allied forces are ready to respond rapidly and in a coordinated manner to any emerging threat.
The strategic projection process, known as RSOM (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement), has enabled the deployment of units from seven NATO countries, strengthening allied presence on Europe's eastern flank. This deployment by land, sea, and air across multiple European countries highlights the scale, complexity, and logistical effort involved, rigorously testing all cross-border coordination procedures among allied nations.
This joint logistical effort demonstrates the Spanish Army's ability to lead multinational operational structures and Spain's firm commitment to NATO's deterrence and defense posture. It enhances response capacity to potential regional threats, in close coordination with the host nation, Slovakia.
Key figures from the strategic projection of personnel and equipment from the seven participating countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Romania, Türkiye, and Spain) include: approximately 7,000 tons of equipment and material, 2,000 troops (including over 1,450 Spaniards), around 410 combat vehicles, and 5 Spanish helicopters operating from Malacky Air Base in Slovakia.
Story by Public Affairs Office at LANDCOM
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