Madrid Summit Sets Stage for Joint Ops

More than 80 U.S. and Spanish military personnel gathered in Madrid for the 2025 Bilateral Training and Exercise Conference (BTEC), co-hosted by the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation and the Spanish joint staff. 

Held at Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional (CESEDEN), located in Madrid, Spain, the event coordinated 114 combined training events planned for 2026, with 16 newly proposed. U.S. and Spanish representatives from air, land, maritime, special operations, and support units collaborated in syndicate working groups to align calendars and develop joint exercises. 

“We will work together, which will involve greater understanding of our militaries, our capabilities,” said Capt. Sergio Nunez, an officer with the contingent representing UME at BTEC 2025. “And, of course, greater understanding of training to respond to whatever the future may hold.”

The goal was to improve interoperability, streamline approval processes, and strengthen operational readiness. Attendees also emphasized preparation for joint emergency response. Personnel from U.S. installations in Spain, including Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, participated to ensure forward-deployed assets remain coordinated with Spanish hosts. BTEC 2025 highlighted both operational planning and the enduring military partnership between Spain and the United States.