The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, bid farewell on Tuesday at the Torrejón de Ardoz base in Madrid to the contingent of the Spanish Air and Space Force sent to Lithuania to participate in the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission. The contingent consists of 150 pilots and mechanics from Wings 12 and 15 and eight F-18 fighters; they will be joined by an A400M tanker aircraft and personnel from the Armament and Experimentation Logistics Center (Claex), totaling nearly 190 military personnel from the Torrejón and Zaragoza bases. The deployment, one of the largest sent to the region, will be stationed at the Siauliai air base, 180 kilometers from the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, for a period of four months. Spain has also committed to sending a similar contingent, consisting of eight fighters and a tanker aircraft, to Romania this year.
During her farewell to the contingent, Minister Robles acknowledged that it is a “difficult and complex mission” in a context of international tension exacerbated by the war in Crimea, but expressed confidence in their “professionalism,” “enthusiasm,” and “spirit of service” to overcome the challenges. She emphasized that all countries in the region appreciate Spain’s contribution. The NATO operation BAP, which has been in place for 20 years, aims to protect the airspace of the Baltic republics from potential Russian incursions. The operation was reinforced in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea and again in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.
The deployment of the Vilkas contingent, as it is officially known, is just one of Spain’s many commitments this year in defense of Eastern European allies. In addition to air defense missions, such as installing a surveillance radar in Schitu, Romania, and an Nasams anti-aircraft battery in Lielvarde, Latvia, the Spanish Army will take command of a multinational brigade in Slovakia on July 1st with 700 troops, and will also provide a company to the French-led brigade in Romania with 150 troops. In a recent interview with La Vanguardia, the Minister of Defense warned that the threat of war is “total and absolute.” She stressed that Europe needs to be aware that the danger is very real, not just a hypothetical scenario. She highlighted that countries bordering Russia understand this well, and that civilization can be attacked by unscrupulous individuals like Putin.
The minister emphasized the importance of being vigilant and prepared for potential threats, especially considering the current geopolitical situation. Spain’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and support its allies in Eastern Europe reflect the country’s commitment to collective security within NATO. By participating in missions like the Baltic Air Policing, Spain contributes to the stability and security of the region. The minister’s statements underscore the seriousness of the security challenges facing Europe, and the need for unity and collaboration among NATO members to address these challenges effectively.
In conclusion, Spain’s deployment of military personnel to Lithuania for the Baltic Air Policing mission is a significant contribution to NATO’s efforts to safeguard the airspace of the Baltic republics. Minister Robles’ recognition of the challenges and complexities of the mission, as well as her confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the Spanish contingent, reflects the country’s commitment to collective defense and security within the alliance. As tensions persist in the region, Spain’s continued engagement in defense cooperation and support for its allies in Eastern Europe demonstrates its unwavering commitment to promoting peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area.
