Protecting the Eastern Flank and the Middle East: a sign of Spain's commitment to NATO
News - 2026.7.14
The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, is holding a videoconference meeting with Spanish contingents deployed in NATO operations
The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, held a video conference with the Spanish contingents deployed as part of NATO operations in Turkey and Iraq, during which she reiterated Spain's firm commitment to protecting the eastern flank and the Middle East, a region critical to Euro-Atlantic security.
During the meeting, held at the Department's headquarters, Robles spoke with the commander of the 'NATO IAMD-Persistent Effort' operation in Turkey, Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Toledo. "A mission", said the minister, "that is very important, both for what it entails and for its symbolic significance, namely Spain's commitment to a very challenging area of air defence".
"We are in a situation of unstable calm on this geopolitical chessboard", Lieutenant Colonel Toledo stated regarding the mission, in which Spain has participated since 2015 with a Patriot battery deployed at Incirlik Air Base.
The commander of the Spanish contingent explained that, although there have been no rocket attacks affecting Turkish territory since the ceasefire came into effect in the area, monitoring continues on an ongoing basis.
This unit, comprising 138 military personnel, adapted its remit following the events of February 2026, broadening its defence capabilities to ensure the protection of allied airspace. As a result of these events, Turkish air defence assets and a US 'Patriot' unit have also been deployed.
As the lieutenant-colonel explained, "the American military personnel were impressed by our system and expressed their gratitude to the Spanish contingent". In this regard, the Defence Minister stated that Turkey feels much more secure thanks to the Spanish presence in the country. "It is always a source of pride to see Spain's effort and dedication", she affirmed.
Evolution of the mission in Iraq
With regard to 'NATO Mission Iraq' (NMI), its operational status has shifted towards a reconfiguration phase at the Joint Force Command headquarters in Naples, following the outbreak of the conflict between the United States and Iran.
The command centre consists of 66 personnel - 23 of whom are Spanish - and maintains its advisory and planning capabilities under the command of Lieutenant General Ramón Armada. He participated in the meeting with the Minister, who maintains that operational support for this mission will continue.
The video conference was also attended by the Secretary-General for Defence Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, and the Commander of Operations Command, Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero.
Non official translation