A C-130 cargo plane of the Spanish Air Force carrying 10,000 protective medical suits donated by the Czech Republic reached Spain on Sunday (29 March 2020) as part of allied efforts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The aircraft, which also carried 90 respirators, landed at Torrejón air base for further distribution of the supplies by the Spanish authorities.

A further delivery of medical equipment from the Czech Republic, including 10,000 protective medical suits is set to reach the Italian city of Milan by truck on Monday (30 March 2020).

Spain and Italy have requested assistance through NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) with medical supplies such as personal protection equipment, respirators, masks and test kits. The NATO centre passed the requests on to NATO Allies and partners, who provide assistance on a bilateral basis.

The EADRCC is NATO’s principal disaster response mechanism. “The Centre operates on a 24/7 basis, coordinating requests from NATO Allies and partners, as well as offers of assistance to cope with the consequences of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu, adding, “we are grateful to the Czech Republic for this generous bilateral aid to other NATO Allies - this is solidarity in action.”