Spanish Soldiers in Kuchyna Training Mainly Mutual Cooperation

Kuchyna, 12 December (TASR) - For Spanish military units at the Kuchyna Air Base transport wing in Bratislava region, the ability to cooperate with each other is currently a priority among the technical and tactical skills being practiced, the commander of the units, Colonel Juan Antonio Puime Maroto, told TASR on Friday, adding that the sovereignty of all NATO countries is a priority for them and the reason behind the training. In May, a Spanish helicopter unit, currently comprising 72 soldiers, landed in Kuchyna. This was part of the planned deployment of NATO's forward military presence in accordance with decisions taken in 2022 and 2023. "NATO is now focusing on the eastern flank. We're exercising and training with your forces to achieve the best possible cooperation in order to stop any threat to the country," said Puime Maroto. The Spanish helicopter unit originally consisted of five aircraft - two heavy transport helicopters, one multi-purpose helicopter and two combat helicopters. There are three in Kuchyna at the moment. On this occasion, three new mobile hangars were built at a cost of approximately €3 million, financed by the Spanish government. Currently, 800 Spanish soldiers are stationed in Lest in central Slovakia as part of NATO's Multinational Battle Group East. They arrived in Slovakia with their own equipment and supplies. This is Spain's largest military mission abroad. am/df