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35th Wing reaches 5000 flight hours with the T-21 in the `Marfil´ Detachment

En Thiès, Senegal
November 22, 2021
  • The first contingent of the `Marfil´ Detachment was deployed in Senegal in 2013

Since 2013 and after more than 8 uninterrupted years operating in the area, the Airbus C295 (T-21) deployed in Senegal in support of the Barkhane operation, has reached 5000 flight hours. During this time it operated alternately with the T-10 Hercules belonging to 31th Wing.

Last November 18th, after a 6-hour flight from Niamey (Niger), the T-21-01 of the 35th contingent of the `Marfil´ Air Tactical Detachment landed at the Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar. This aeronautical milestone has been achieved thanks to the effort and dedication of the personnel who have made up the different contingents, reflecting thus the technical preparation and teamwork of the Spanish military personnel deployed on missions abroad.

On this flight, which carried out a mission to transport personnel and cargo, was the French General Michel Delpit, Head of the French Military Elements in Senegal (EFS) and France's highest military authority in West Africa.

'Marfil' Detachment

'Marfil' Tactical Air Detachment (DAT), integrated into Operation A / M, operates from the 'Escale Aéronautique Commandant LEMAITRE', at the Blaise Diagne International Airport, a few kilometres from Dakar (Senegal). Under the operational command of MOPS, it conducts intratheater logistics airlift and in-flight refuelling missions, in support of France in its fight against terrorism in Operation Barkhane.

The detachment also supports the United Nations missions MINUSMA and MINUSCA, for the stabilization of Mali and Central Africa respectively along with the missions of the European Union EUTM RCA and EUTM Mali, regarding formation and training of the armed forces of these countries; as well as the G5 Sahel Joint Force.

The contingent is made up of 70 soldiers from different units of the Air Force; most of the military personnel belong to the 35th Wing, the Air Deployment Support Squadron (EADA) and the Mobile Air Control Group (GRUMOCA). The contingent operates two Airbus C295 (T-21) aircraft belonging to the 35th Wing -Getafe Air Force Base. The mission's ‘Joint Force Air Component Command’ (JFACC), is based in Lyon (France), and is in charge of the schedule of the two Spanish aircraft.

After more than eight years of operation, The “Marfil” Tactical Air Detachment (DAT), is consolidated as an example of the contribution of the Armed Forces to the foreign action of Spain and its commitment to global security.

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