Last mission of the T.21 aircraft in the Tactical Air Detachment “Marfil”

•  The DAT “Marfil” has completed its last air mission in the framework of the operation deployed in Senegal, thus culminating a key stage in Spain's air projection in the Sahel

With the completion of its last operational rotation, the T.21 aircraft (CASA C-295) has completed its participation in the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) “Marfil”, which is the culmination of a key period in which this aircraft has assumed the bulk of tactical and logistical airlift in support of international operations in the Sahel.

Since 2013, when the deployment of DAT Ivory began - and especially after the closure of the Tactical Air Detachment “Mamba” in 2020, which was deployed in Gabon - the T.21 has been the main air platform of the detachment, ensuring the continuity of the missions assigned to the Air and Space Army in this strategic region.

During these years, the T.21 has contributed to the deployment of Spanish, French and African units in one of the most extensive and operationally demanding regions in the world. Missions have also included support to Spanish transient aircraft, surveillance missions, support to the control of irregular immigration and the fight against illicit trafficking; all of which has consolidated the role of the DAT Marfil in Senegal as an operational and diplomatic tool throughout its deployment.

The latest operation with this aircraft was conducted under the new temporary (non-permanent) deployment model, which was implemented in the second half of 2024. Under this scheme, the T.21 has operated on an ad hoc basis from Senegal under the operational control of the Commander of the Operations Command (MOPS), and in coordination with the French JFACC in Lyon

In the words of Commander Enrique Rodríguez Moro, current head of DAT Marfil, "the completion of this mission is a perfect end to more than 12 years of missions, and has allowed us to take Spain's commitment and effort to every corner of the Sahel. At this point, I would like to remember all those who have served in this mission over so many years. Here, we have left our efforts and dedication for the sake of regional peace and security, and therefore, for Spain".

With this last air mission, the “Marfil” Tactical Air Detachment concludes more than twelve years of uninterrupted activity in the Sahel, where it has represented Spain's strategic interests with efficiency, professionalism and commitment, as well as contributing to the security and stability of the region. This stage marks the end of a permanent operational presence in Senegal, which has made a sustained contribution to regional stability and to the reinforcement of Spain's role as a reliable and supportive ally on the international stage. The flag lowering ceremony is scheduled to take place on 21 June and, after completing the entire process of collecting equipment and facilities, the Spanish military presence at the detachment will come to an end on 1 July. DAT Marfil will return to Spain with the satisfaction of having become a reference in terms of international cooperation, defence diplomacy and projection of air capabilities in complex environments.

DAT Ivory

The Tactical Air Detachment “Marfil” is composed of Air and Space Army personnel. Its base of operations is the ‘Escale Aéronautique Commandant LEMAITRE’, which is located within the facilities of the French Elements in Senegal (EFS), at the Blaise Diagne International Airport, in the town of Thiès.

Since its deployment in January 2013, the DAT Marfil has maintained a permanent presence in Senegal, being a clear exponent of the Spanish Armed Forces' commitment to regional and international security. Its main mission is to provide tactical and logistical airlift, as well as in-flight refuelling, whenever capabilities allow. These activities are aimed at supporting the fight against terrorism and reinforcing stability in the strategic environment of the Sahel.

In addition, the detachment provides support to transient Spanish Air and Space Army and Guardia Civil aircraft, which operate from this base on surveillance missions, control of irregular immigration and the fight against illicit trafficking.

At present, the DAT is made up of some 15 military personnel from different Air and Space Army units, among which the most important are the Air Deployment Support Squadron (EADA) and the Alert and Control Group (GRUALERCON). On a regular basis, this endowment has been reinforced by personnel from the 35th Wing, especially during the deployments of the T.21 aircraft.