Spanish Maritime Forces HQ (SPMARFOR) assumes command of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF)

The Spanish Maritime Forces HQ (SPMARFOR) has just assumed command of the Maritime Allied Reaction Forces (ARF) until July 1, 2026.

To celebrate this important milestone, the ARF Commander, Lieutenant General Lorenzo D'Addario of the Italian Army, convened the commanders of the maritime and land component commands to conduct the handover ceremony at his Headquarters in Solbiate Olona, ​​Italy.

This is the first time that Spain has assumed this important role for the Alliance since the creation of the ARF in 2024. To assume this responsibility, the CGMAD/SPMARFOR has undergone an intensive certification process for over a year, participating in three NATO exercises: STEADFAST DAGGER 24, DYNAMIC MARINER/FLOTEX-25, and STEADFAST COBALT, achieving NATO "MISSION CAPABLE" status. Furthermore, all the process has been done without restrictions, demonstrating a high level of readiness and leadership.

From July 2025, SPMARFOR will be the naval command of this high-readiness force, prepared to respond immediately to any crisis affecting the security of the Alliance. To carry out the mission assigned aboard the flagship LPD ‘Castilla’, the Staff and crew will be on a 5-day ‘Notice to Move’. This means that from the moment the deployment order is given, they must be able to go to sea ready to fulfill the mission in less than 5 days, and must be able to generate impact in less than 10 days.