Robles: "If there is one thing the Spanish Army has, it is the ability to learn from all the missions in which it participates"

Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during her visit to the Spanish detachment in Romania

The Defence minister held a meeting with her Romanian counterpart, Angel Tilvar, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu base, where nearly 200 Spanish soldiers contribute to maintaining stability in this country bordering Ukraine, where, according to its Defence minister, they feel very close to the conflict. Consequently, it is important for them to have the support of the Spanish Armed Forces.

Margarita Robles had the opportunity to show her support for Ukraine once again, but not before pointing out that "we are stronger if we are united," in reference to the defence of "democratic values and the rejection of the unjust war that Russia has provoked." The Romanian minister shared this view, and thanked Spain for its support, stating that "we want them to stay here."

The 'Paznic' mission guarantees security and defence on the eastern flank with Spain's contribution of six Eurofighters, with crews ready to take off 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have just been joined by an A400, from the 31st Wing, which allows in-flight refuelling, meaning it can triple the distance of an assigned mission in the same amount of time.

In addition to the personnel of this mission, there are the 40 members of the 'Tigru' detachment, deployed 60km south of the base and in charge of the air surveillance radar that contributes to the deterrence and defence of allied countries. A radar with a very high operational capability and a very long range, allowing control and surveillance from Moldova to the Turkish coast.

The Minister for Defence expressed her satisfaction with "the contribution of the Spanish Armed Forces to NATO and to the security of countries that are under threat. Thanks to you, your professionalism and dedication, Spain's commitment is a reality and a source of pride.

"The defence of peace, freedom and human rights." This is how Margarita Robles sums up the premises underpinning Spain's role in the current unstable and complicated international context.

Spanish deployment

In Romania, the tactical air detachment 'Paznic' and 'Tigru' are deployed as part of NATO's 'Persistent Effort' operation to monitor and protect the Alliance's eastern flank.

Since the start of the mission, nearly 400 flight hours have been flown on approximately 200 missions, including both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, performed in the day and night arc, some with in-flight refuelling. In addition, during its deployment, the 'Paznic' detachment has worked with up to eight nations.

In addition, last November the Spanish Armed Forces completed the deployment of a contingent of more than 200 marines from the Tercio de Armada at the Cincu base.

The Spanish soldiers are part of a multinational battalion led by France, to which Spain is also contributing some 40 vehicles.

The Romanian battlegroup is one of eight deployed along the eastern flank to contribute to deterrence in this allied territory against the Russian threat.

Non official translation