Wednesday, March 27

Spain sends anti-aircraft missiles to Latvia in its “total” commitment to NATO


Spain reinforces its role in NATO and will unfold 100 military more in latviaopposite the border of Russia. It will also send to baltic country a battery of six missiles air defensehas confirmed the Minister of Defense, Margaret Oakswhich has underlined that “the commitment to Atlantic Alliance is total”. In addition, he has promoted the “maximum availability” of the Spanish army to reinforce the deterrence mission that the coalition carries out in the area, which have been strengthened by the war in ukraine.

Robles justifies this decision by a commitment to “peace, freedom and security.” Spain began its deployment in the Baltic country in 2017 with some 350 troops dedicated to deterring Russian threat. The objective, as defined by NATO, was “to prevent possible conflicts, protect allies and preserve peace and stability beyond the coalition’s borders.”

From 350 to 600 soldiers for the war in Ukraine

This contingent was increased to 500 soldiers last March after the russian invasion in Ukraine within the alliance’s plans to reinforce its eastern flank. Now, there will be 600 troops deployed in this deterrent mission. “We have troops right now in latvia Y Lithuaniain addition to the boats in the Mediterranean“, has specified the minister.

In terms of material, the Latvian mission is the only one in which the Armed Forces have the ‘Pizarro’ and ‘Leopardo’ battle tanks, as well as heavy mortars, ‘Spike’ anti-tank missiles, unmanned aircraft, a control team for aerial attacks and precision shooters. The additional deployment of 150 soldiers was artillery, sappers and logistical support.

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Parade in Huesca and more budget

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Robles has participated in the massive parade in Huesca for the Day of the Armed Forces, in which more than 3,200 soldiers, 154 vehicles and 69 aircraft have participated. Robles has highlighted that it is “a day of satisfaction because after two years [de pandemia] It is the manifestation that the normal on the daily life“.

However, he has defended budget increase of his department and has argued that investing in defense is investing “in peace, freedom and democratic values”, but also in “jobs”.


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