On September 12, 2025, in Hoyo de Manzanares (Madrid- Spain), Colonel Javier Sanz Maldonado formally assumed command as new Director of the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE).

The ceremony, presided over by Spain’s Chief of Defence, Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, brought together representatives from the Spanish Armed Forces, allied nations, NATO bodies, law enforcement agencies, and institutions contributing expertise to the Centre.

Colonel Sanz succeeds Colonel Javier Corbacho Margallo, now assigned to the NATO Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre in Lisbon. With a distinguished career in the Engineers Corps and multiple national and international postings since 1994, Colonel Sanz highlighted in his speech his commitment to strengthening the COE’s mission and future lines of effort.