Brunssum, The Netherlands — Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK) has successfully completed its certification exercise (CERTEX 24-I), a critical test of its operational readiness and capability to support NATO missions. Held from November 4 to 10, 2024, at Slovakia’s Lešť Military Training Area, the exercise confirmed that the Multinational Battle Group Slovakia (MN BG SVK) can perform complex, high-intensity defensive and offensive operations as required by NATO.
The MN BG SVK, led by Spain’s "Roger de Flor" Paratrooper Battalion and including forces from Slovenia and Portugal, demonstrated advanced operational capabilities through rigorous tests in command coordination, effective threat response, and the integration of logistics and combat support. The success of the exercise granted the unit NATO certification. This accomplishment highlights the alliance’s shared dedication to defence, resilience, and multinational cooperation.
CERTEX 24-I was assessed by NATO evaluators to ensure that the MN BG SVK met NATO’s high standards for interoperability and mission effectiveness. A focal point of the exercise was a delay and counterattack operation against an Opposing Force (OPFOR), played by a Czech Republic unit, which posed tactical challenges designed to test the battle group’s ability to respond to both offensive and defensive threats. The evaluation was led by Spanish Paratrooper Brigade General Luis Jesús Fernández Herrero and attended by personnel from the Multinational Division Center (MND-C), who verified the process and validated that NATO standards were upheld.
Since its deployment in July 2024, the MN BG SVK has engaged in extensive training to enhance unit cohesion and interoperability, culminating in this exercise, which confirms that it is fully prepared for NATO missions within its designated area of responsibility.
This certification through CERTEX 24-I grants the MN BG SVK Full Operational Capability, affirming its readiness to act as a defensive force within NATO’s framework. As the Framework Nation, Spain’s role in achieving this certification highlights its commitment to NATO standards, setting an important milestone for the MN BDE TF SVK in advancing NATO’s goals of regional stability and defence cooperation.