The NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Headquarters in Spain concludes the Loyal Leda 2026 exercise

Exercise Loyal Leda 2026

The NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Headquarters in Spain (HQ NRDC-ESP), commanded by Lieutenant General Luis Sáenz Rocandio and based in Bétera (Valencia), concluded Exercise Loyal Leda 2026 (LOLE26) on March 12 at the military facilities in Paterna. This exercise—its main training activity of the year—has reaffirmed its capability as a high-readiness headquarters for high-intensity operations within the framework of the Alliance.

Over several weeks, HQ NRDC-ESP deployed its Command Post in a demanding scenario designed to train and validate its ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct large-scale land operations. The exercise also made it possible to consolidate Command and Control (C2) procedures, interoperability among Allied nations, and the integration of innovative systems and tools applied to the decision-making process.

The final day included a visit from numerous national and NATO military authorities, with the attendance of the Commander of the Operations Command, Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez. The visitors were able to see firsthand the functioning of the deployed Command Post, as well as the technological and organizational capabilities employed during the exercise, in a realistic environment with high operational demands.

With Exercise Loyal Leda 2026, HQ NRDC-ESP has revalidated its certification as a corps headquarters for high-intensity operations, initially obtained in 2021, and has reaffirmed its readiness to deploy and assume command of large multinational forces when required by the Alliance, directly contributing to NATO’s posture of deterrence and collective defense.

HQ NRDC-ESP revalidates its certification