Tactical Air Detachment 'Tigru' radar reaches 15,000 hours of service in surveillance of NATO's eastern flank

•  The efficient maintenance of the weapon system, together with the professionalism of the 'Tigru' detachment personnel, have been key to reach this operational milestone in the operational area.

The AN/TPS-43M radar, part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing-Radar operation, has reached 15,000 hours of operational service in Romania. This long-range Air and Space Force radar was deployed in October 2022 on the shores of the Black Sea, in the Romanian town of Schitu, with the aim of contributing to air surveillance on NATO's eastern flank.

NATO’s Integrated Air Defense System, through the Control and Reporting Centre in Moara Vlasiei, Romania, uses the data obtained by the radar.

Despite its years of service, the adverse weather conditions in the area and the fact that the units providing comprehensive maintenance are in Spain, this radar has demonstrated to be a reliable and robust system.

This operational milestone is the result, on the one hand, of the effort and professionalism of all the components of the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) 'Tigru' throughout these almost two years of mission. And, on the other hand, the support of many units in national territory, which have effectively contributed to the maintenance of a weapon system which, for the first time, has been deployed outside our borders.

'Persistent Effort' Operation

The AN/TPS-43M radar deployed in Romania is part of the 'Persistent Effort' operation, which also includes the NASAMS Air Defense Unit in Latvia, the Patriot battery in Turkey and, finally, the air detachments performing Air Police missions, such as 'Paznic', which is currently located in Romania.

All in all, Spain's participation in the protection of the eastern flank of allied territory is proof of Spain's commitment to the Alliance and another example of solidarity with our allies, with whom we share the values that sustain and protect democracy, freedom and world security.