Spanish Army | |
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Ejército de Tierra | |
![]() Seal of the Spanish Army | |
Founded | 15th century |
Country | ![]() |
Type | Army |
Role | Land force |
Size | 75,822 personnel (2018)[1] |
Part of | ![]() |
Garrison/HQ | Buenavista Palace, Madrid |
Mascot(s) | Crowned rampant eagle with Saint James cross |
Commanders | |
Commander in Chief | ![]() |
Chief of Staff of the Army | ![]() |
Insignia | |
Flag patch | ![]() |
Aircraft flown | |
Attack helicopter | Tiger |
Reconnaissance | Airbus EC-665 Tiger |
Trainer | Colibrí EC135 |
Transport | Chinook Cougar NH90 |
The Spanish Army (Spanish: Ejército de Tierra, lit. 'Army of Land') is the terrestrial army of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is one of the oldest active armies – dating back to the late 15th century.
The Spanish Army has existed continuously since the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (late 15th century). The oldest and largest of the three services, its mission was the defence of Peninsular Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Melilla, Ceuta and the Spanish islands and rocks off the northern coast of Africa.