The Minister of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME) attend the 'Quick Lion'exercise

This tactical exercise had aerial means

Words of the Minister at the military practice ground

Visitors and soldiers at the military practice ground

On 26th November, The National Training Centre (CENAD) 'San Gregorio', in Zaragoza, hosted the visit of Margarita Robles, Minister of Defence, to witness some of the rehearsals of the 'Quick Lion' tactical exercise, which is taking place these days. It is one of the main milestones reached by the means and capabilities which have been deployed. Upon arrival, the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Army, Army General Francisco Javier Valera, together with the Chief of the 'Castillejos' Division, General Fernando García González-Valerio, welcomed her.

The exercise started on 19th November, and it will conclude on 30th November. It has been organised and planned by the 'Castillejos' Division. The main unit in charge of the deployment is the 4th Legion Tercio 'Alejandro Farnesio'. Together with 2,500 Army soldiers, the Military Emergencies Unit and the Civil Guard, as well as Portuguese and Italian soldiers, have taken part.

This exercise will certify the FHQ leadership of the 'Castillejos Division' as joint command and control unit, combined with the EU's Rapid Response Force, in the first semester of 2019. Thus, the Armed Forces leave proof of the operational and military capacities deployed when facing any crisis or conflict.

The visit to the CENAD has included a videoconference with the units deployed in other military practice grounds, and a visit to the Command Post, from where the tactical exercise was seen. Additionally, the developments in material and equipment were presented in an exhibition of the Army's Logistics Support Command.

The Secretary of State for Defence, Ángel Olivares, and the Deputy Secretary of Defence, Alejo de la Torre, were also there, together with a group of 20 MPs from different political parties.