HQ NRDC-ESP

Handover of the unit standard.

Fuerza Kuchyňa rotation.

Transfer of Authority signing.

June, 19, 2026.- The sixth rotation of Fuerza Kuchyňa, comprising personnel from the NRDC-ESP Corps Forward Element (CFE), a helicopter unit, signals units from the 21st Signals Regiment (Marines, Valencia) and the 1st Signals Regiment (Huesca), as well as other support elements deployed at Malacky Air Base (MAB), Slovakia, have relieved the fifth rotation. 

The Transfer of Authority ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Javier Betolaza Méndez, DCOS OPS at the Spanish Operations Command (MOPS), and was attended by prominent civilian and military authorities: the Spanish Ambassador to Slovakia, Sofía Ruiz del Árbol Moro; Major General Tibor Králik, Commander of Multinational Division Centre; and Brigadier General Drazen Ressler, Chief of Staff of Multinational Division Centre.  

During the ceremony, Colonel Enrique Mateo de Navascués, head of the contingent, handed over command to Colonel Andrés F. Castán Estaban, the new commander.During his address, Colonel Castan highlighted the current developments in NATO’s deterrence and collective defence, as well as the transformation of NATO member armed forces and. He emphasised the Spanish armed forces’ commitment in the region as a reliable ally. As recent and clear examples of this commitment, he highlighted the increase in available airlift capacity following the addition of a CH-47 Chinook Model F helicopter, the new capabilities demonstrated in Pilot Project 5, and improvements to infrastructure. He expressed his gratitude for the support provided to the mission by Hungary, the Czech Republic and, in particular, Slovakia, and highlighted the work carried out by the previous rotation. He concluded his speech by referring to the spirit of service as a key element in tackling the challenge posed by this new mission, and to the camaraderie that is also essential for bringing it to a successful conclusion.  

This was followed by an awards ceremony, during which General Betolaza presented the NATO Vigilance Medal (non-Article 5) to Colonel Mateo de Navascués, whilst Slovak Major General Tibor Kralik presented the Medal of Merit of the Slovak Republic.

This mission reflects Spain’s firm commitment to collective security on the Alliance’s eastern flank and its solidarity with its allied nations in the region.